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Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la m6thode. t 2 3 32X ! 1 2 3 4 5 6 HONORABLE JUDGE WILMOT : A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH BTT REV. J. LATHERN. PREFATORY NOTICE BY REV. D. D. CUBRIE. JFX1DS3 srr .A.ikd:oxis:, HALIFAX, N. S. : PRINTED AT WESLEYAN OFFICE, 125 GRANVILLE ST. 1880. P Siisy 225756 ew*- 4 PHEPATORY NOTICE. The story of a life, that has been giren to worthy enterprises, and to noble endeavonrs, 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 termination 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 prominent and important achievements, should be pre- served. At the urgent request of friends of Judge Wilmot. Mr. Lathern has been induced to give this volume to the public. Prompted by a similar impulse these few introduc- tory paragraphs are written. Probably no other person has had facilities equal to those of Mr. Lathern for terming an ac- curate estimate of Judge Wilmot^s inner-life, and of his earnest purposes. For more than a score ot years a very close intimacy existed between them. Though scarcely a parngraph, from the pen of the departed Judge, was avail- able to assist the author in the preparation of these pages, yet other materials have been within his reach. These he hat carefully and successfully utilized in the volume before us. From my earliest years, until the removal of Judge Wilmot from the scenes of earth, it was my privilege to look upon him under various circumstances, and from different standpoints. When, in the town in which he lived, my boy- hood 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 central figure in the Legislature of New Brunswick. The memories of the old electioneering cam- IT. PREFATORY NOTICE. ^ ■■ > paigns, when the polls were open for sixteen days in sucees- sion, and at a later period for eight days, linger jet. Often, dur- ins; those times, the wild fires of intense excitement burned fiercely enough. Though, on several occasions, he was ^Tiolently and maliciously opposed, he was never defeated 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 career these Provinces passed through an important crisis. For a half century the Frovinoe of New Brunswick had been under the sway of an intolerant and irresponsible family- compact government. The statute-book was stained with en- actments involving invidious distinctions, adverse to the rights and liberties of soKsalled *' dissenters," and " dissent- ing '* ministers. During the first fifty years of the history of New Brunswick no " dissenter" was honored with a commis- sion as a Justice of the Peace, except under very extraordi- nary circumstances. Previous to Judge Wilmot^s advocacy of equal rights on the floors of the Legislature, no " dissenting" minister was allowed, on pain ot fine and imprisonment, to perform the ceremony of marriage. In the earlier part of his political career a ehange was working iu the public mind in these Provinces. He was the mouth-piece of his time ia 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 for 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 assailed by foul slanders of various kind.4. But the prin- ciples for which he contended were triumphant ; and for him- self he won a permanent place on the roll of his country^s greatest men. To have been associated with Judge Wilmot as a mem- ber of his Society class, as a teacher in his Sabbath School, PBIFATORT NOTICE. t; ftnd, in later life, as tke 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 maturer days. Daring those three years he was the Lieut. Qovemor of the Province. He was one of the most considerate, kindly, and sympathising church mem- bers, with whom, at any time, it has been my privilege to be associated. In the beginning of my ministerial career, when, for the first time, appointed to preach on a Sabbath morning, in the Fredericton church, and when, waiting, tremblingly, in Ihe preacher's vestry for the appointed moment to arrive. Judge Wilmot favoured me with 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 ser- vice, to give me a cordial welcqpie. 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. Ho was one of the best hearers any pastor ever had. No man could more easily recognise defects in pulpit| efforts; none could more quickly perceive the chief purpose of a preacher's heart; and none would more generously make proper allowances for the difficulties with which an earnest preacher had to grapple than he. As the Superin- tendent of the Sabbath School, as a class-leader, as tfce leader of the choir, and in other positions as a church- member, his fidelity, his consistency, and his gentleness, were a perpetual example, and an inspiration. During my Fredericton pastorate it was the custom to conclude the monthly Communion service with prayer by Judge Wilmot. His prayers always breathed a spirit of tenderness, and of devotion ; and indicated his appreciation of the necessity, and of the 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 antagonists, and hiuT been violently abused by a portion of the press, we havi; heard him in tiie week-night prayer-meeting pleading for smength, and for charity, that he might stand firmly in the evil day. ▼i. PRBPATORT NOTICE. '1 I Judge Wilmot possessed almost all the qualities which are indispensable to oratory of the highest merit. His greatest defect, perhaps, was that he did not use his pdn enough. lie had a commanding presence. He 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 equal to any emergency. He was earnest, impulsive, enthusiastic. He was a master of fiery and brilliant invective ; and, when an extraordinary occasion demanded, could, with tremendous vigor, wield against an assailant, the fiercest weapons of sarcasm or ridicule. He did not confine his reading and his studies to one profession, or to one department of lite. He rather prefer- red a wider range of investigation and research. He had broad views uf great (yiestions. While, sometimes, there was an impulsiveness and rashness apparent in him, still mature deliberation led to his recognition and acknow- ledgement of the truth on all sides. He would listen to novel propositions, weigh them candidly, dispassionately, and purely upon their merits. Ho would never contend for dogmas because they were old, nor for political parties be- cause 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 arguments on a few leading general principles of right, and truth, and justice, giving but little attention to what he regarded as the smaller points of his case. In political life he disliked manoeuvres, and side issues, and flank movements ; and pre- ferred direct assaults, and an open battle, on a fair field. Although these qualities, were yninetiraes not the most suc- cessful, and involved delay, if not defeat, yet in the end with thinking men they gave him popularity, and power, and they brousjht victory to the cause for which he contended. According to the inspired Isaiah, the Lord, sometimes, in judgment, gives to a wayward or a rebellious people weak PREFATORY NOTICE. Vii. men for rulers ; and, at other times, in his loving kindness, he gires "the mighty man, and the man of war, the judge, and the prophet, and the prudent, and the honorable man, and the counsellor, and the eloquent orator." Judge Wilmot was an agent raised up by the Supreme Ruler to perform an important work. The genius, the fair-mindedness, the fer- vor, the pathos, the christian simplicity, and the splendor, of his long and useful Hie, 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 skill shaping the destinies of many now living. This book, which Mr. Lathern has written, with an affectionate and faithful hand, will, it is hoped, help perpetuate not only the memory, but also the influence of that pure and noble life. Halifax, Nova Scotia, May 1, 1880. DUNCAN D. CURRIE. CONTENTS. I. Introductory • • 9 n. Personal Narratire 12 in. Profeiiional Distinction 21 lY. Political Life and House of Assembly - - - 26 V. The Bench 50 VI. Lieutenant«GoTernor 57 YII. Conrersational Charm and Brilliance - • - 65 VIII. Christian Life 75 IX. Esteem for the word of Gk)d 91 X. Church Erection 101 XI. Choir-Serrice 107 Xn. The Sunday-School 113 Xm. Sunset 126 ')l 'J ftf«. 9 12 21 26 50 57 65 75 91 101 107 113 126 !l! " Knight of a better era Without reproach or fear I Said I not well that Bayards And Sydneys still are here^ — Whittier. It is a homage due to departed worth, whenever it rises to such a height as to render its posf^essor an object of attention, to endeavour to rescue it from oblivion ; so that when it is removed from the observation of men, it may still live in their memory, and transmit through the shades of the Sepulchre, however faint, 80 me reflection of its living lustre." — Robert Hall. 1\ I. INTRODUCTORY. '•And A Wilmot too."— Popt. Three 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 deed. Athenians and Spartans, after the battles of Marathon and Thermopyla), felt that they had a nobler character to sustain and a grander destiny to work out. Ancient Romans were accustomed, in their halls and homos, in statuary, to preserve the forms and features of illustrious ancestors j and to them the sculptured marble was eloquent incen-. tive to patient endurance and resolute achievement. Mysterious and moulding influences, and the potent energy of example and sentiment, 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.. If the young men of "this Canada of ours," entering- upon a period of strenuous competition and of augmente(!( responsibility, would feel the pure healthy glow and expansiveness of race and nationality, let them ponder the long roll of proud ancestral achievement — for we are all of British blood and lineage — and of many a colonist that has already achieved brilliant distinction. Then, if the heart do not throb, nor the eye gleam with the energy of higher purpose and the light of a loftier resolve, we may hold our manhood cheap and deem our- selves degenerate sons of illustrious sires. But we can all feel the inspiration of example and the ipfluenco of ir 'f fi 10 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. I ■ '^1 \ .' pure and noble deed. The slumbers of Themistocles, perchance in sorae obscure forest home, will be disturbed by the trophies of a colonial Miltiades : " Wher'er a noble deed is wrought, When'er is spoken a noble thought; The tidal 'rare of deeper souls Into our inaiost being rolls. In view of the late Judge Wilmot's representative «hai'acter. as a distini^uished colonist — the rare and splendid gifts by which he was so richly endowed — the wide space which for a lifetime he filled in the eye of the coramunit}' — the influential and responsible positions which long and honorably he occupied — the forty years of continuous service in discharge of political, judicial and governmental duties — the high-toned principle uni- formly exhibited through the whole of his public career — the consistency of his course and character through a protracted and sometimes stormy li^e — the extent to which many young men, now widely scattered, were influenced by his generous impulses, intense enthusiasm, 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. Unfortunately for the living interest and special Taluo of such a biograpliical record and delineation, amongst Judge Wilmot's papers, as far as ascertained, no available material can be found. Thoroughly familiar with matters of Provincial interest, an actor in the movements by which the constitution of colonial life has been remoulded, and by which we have been led along a new era of adiTiiniBtration ; one of the finest and reest converi^f ir^aalists of his time, he had decided and INTRODUCTORY. Jj well-known aversion to the use of his pen. It is possible that search amongst newspaper files-if any have es- caped the conflagrations of New Brunswick towns and cities-remmiscenses of numerous friends, and personal recollections of glowing and stirring narrative and inci- dents f,.om his own life, may, in some competent hand supply threads of interest that can be woven into a completeness of design and execution worthy of the subject. In the meantime only brief biographical notice can be attempted. r -1' - ( II. PERSONAL NARRATIVE. "His real habitude gave life and grace To appertainings and to ornament, Accomplished in himself, not in his case : All aids themselves made fairer by their place ; Came for additions, yet their purpos'd trim Pierc'd not his grace, but were all grac'd by him." - -Shakesptare. Lemuel Allan Wilmot, in the early paitof the year 1809, was born in Sunbury Count^^ on he river St. John, in the Province of New Brunswick. He was a descendent 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 unbroken forests of Nova Scotia, New Brr.nswick and Ontario, undauntedly hewed houses for themselves and their children; and again, as with the Pilgrim Fathers, *' The sounding aisles of the dim woods rang To the anthem of the free." From the ardent patriotism b}" which L. A. Wilmot was always distinguished, it might almost seem as if the spirit of all the loyalist race had come to him as a rich ancestral dower. * His ancestors w re from the State of New Jersey, and by one line of lineage were probably of direct descent from the "Men , of the Mayflower." For another fact I am indebted to J. W. ' Lawrence, Esq. Colonel Murray, known to the older residents of St. John, grandfather oi Hon. B. 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. ▲. Wilmot. The gallant colonel was on the royalist pide in the revolutionary war, which hj allloyalistt was regarded as rebellion. He had, on one occasiOi'i, Arrow escape Arom capture by Colonial troops. Foiled in theiif .arch, a bayonet was run through his portrait^the gash of wluch can still be reen. PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 18 To what extent varied and brilliant qualities were immediately hereditary cannot be easily ascertained. Through several of its gifted members the famil}' with which maternally he was connected claimed considerable distinction. His father, of whom it has been said that from memory he could recite the whole of Dr. Watt's hymns, was a hymnodist before the days of hymnology; and in this fact may be found an explanation of the poetic taste of his move gifted son. The University College at Fredericton afforded valuable educational facilities. In collegiate course ho earned the reputation of a diligent and successful student. The Gi-eek and Latin Epics, the Illiad of Homer and the ^Eneid of Viigil, 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 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. In 1851 ho was appointed on€ of the Judges of the Supreme Court ; and •nder the Act for the Federation of the Colonies into the Dominion of Canada, 1868, in recognition of valuable public services, and of commanding and conspicuous qualities of intellect and character, was made the first -ff — r ii i 1 14 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. Lieutenant-Governor of his native Province. He was Also, in association with Palmerston, Gladstone, and other eminent men, a Vice-President of one of the leading British institutions ; successor of the Hon. Mr. Childers, M. P., on the Prince Edward Island Land Commission ; and a member of the influential Ontario Boundary Commission. He was a member of the University Senate, and gave much time and thought to the promo- tion of educational interests. It was a favorite theory of JudgeWilmot that, instead of ascent from the primary to the academic, the ourrent of oducatiorfal 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 at Fredericton, though liberally endowed, and favored with an efficient staff of Professors, was for many years unpopular ; and in 1844 it was assorted in the Legislature that the sum expended upon it, up to that time, "would have educated every one of the students at Oxford or Cambridge." It was in 9 very considerable measure owing to his efforts and advocaey that, with constitution modified, a representation of the several leading denominations upon its senate, and general administration popularised, the Provincial Un* versity has; entered upon a course of acknowledged efficiency and of increasing prosperity. During earlier life Mr. Wilmot also found time for military drill. Considering the enthusiasm carried into all military exercises, it would not have been surprising had ho adopted that profession. A very natural remark of a Governor-General, on a visit to Fredericton, rooeived with military honoi's,*was " that he must have missed his calling, and should have taken to the sword rather PIKIONAL NARRATIVE. 16 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. A cavalry corps trajnod 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 army of the United States. " There were also distinctions of another kind," says a writer in the " Montreal Witness " — to whom this narrative is indebted for several dates* — "and honorary appointments " highly valued that claim permanent record. In the choir of the Church, in the class, as leader of young men, in the Sunday School and other departments of work, he rendered faithful and efficient service. He was President 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 magnificent 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. He was a lecturer for the Young Men's Christian Association and, under its auspices, delivered a series of lectures in the Mechanics' Institute of St. John, which at the time grew into fame. The hieroglyphics of Egypt, and its ancient civilization; the arts and architecture of Assyria; the * Through courtesy of J. W. Lawrence, Esq., of St. John, M these pafres are passing through the press, several dates have been communicated : L. A. Wilmot *' was admitted Attorney 1830, Barrister 1832 ; elected for York County, on death of Wm. Taylor, June 16, 1884 ; delegate to England shortly aftet ; Attorney General, on death of Hon. C. J. Peters, May 24, 1848; delegate t« Portland R. K. Conrention 1850; candidate for last time, 1850 ; appointed Judge, on resignation of Chief Justice Chipman, and eleyation of Judge Garter, January 8, 1851." ■■!! i 1 !' 16 HON. JUDOB WII.MOT. II ruins of Pompoii; the catacombs of Rome; the manuscript ages, and printed versions of the English Bible, and otlier subjects of popular interest, wore exhibited in accurate perspective, and eloquently and graphically described. The learned lecturer was charged, on one occasion, by an able and accomplished dignitary, with having sullied his ermine, and was challenged to leave the Bench. But, as there had been an agitation, in which, rather than desert Roman Catholic clients in the hour of need, he was willing to forfeit the favor of extreme Protestant supporters, by menace and palpably unreasonable pressure, he was not to he deterred from loyal and conscientious advocacy of the truth. At the Montreal meeting of the Dominion Evan- gelical Alliance, an influential assembly, in which Principal Dawson, of McGill College, President McCosh, of Princeton, and Dr. Donald Eraser, of London, and other eminent men took part, ne officiated with great acceptance as President of that body ; and, " if deep interest in the cause of the Alliance" — to use his own words when taking the chair — " was any qualification, he could claim a special fitness for that post." At the Torofito General Conference of the Methodist Church of Canada, in September, 1874, he was elected to the chair — subsequently occupied by the venerable Dr. Egerton Ryerson — of the preliminary meeting at which that important ecclesiastical assembly was organized. In association with the Rev. Dr. Geo. Douglas, he was appointed representative to the Nash- ville General Conference of the Southern Methodist Episcopal Church. At this point, possibly, a personal reminiscence may be pai-donable or permissible. My own acquaintance PERSONAL NARRATIVE. It 'with the Honorable Judge Wiimot dates b&ck to the closing part of the year 1855. By Dr. Beecham, of London, who, in a recent visit to the Eastern Provinces, had made his acquaintance, 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 indelibly impressed upon the recollection of that period — then recently arrived from England, a cordial welcome 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, firmly 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 ^ersonne^. Retirement from the arena of politics, release from professional business pressure, and easy competence secured by his elevation to the Bench, afforded oppor- tunity for the gratification of horticultural and literary tastes ; and such was the activity of mental constitution, exuberance 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, wab there such lavish expenditure of intellectual resource, and of wealth of conj^ersation, 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 18 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. II '".!' tho Atlantic io the Pacific, and Acadia was the name SBggcstod for the new nationality. There was also the more magnificent conception of an Imperial union. He believed, with Lord Durham, that "■ the British Colonief were like foreign nations to each other, without any of the benefits of diplomatic association." But with Canada, Australia, India, and all the other Colonies united to each other, bound firmly to tho Mother Country, consti- tuting an Empire to comprise all British dominions, through which should course the same pulsation of con- stitutional life, over which should wave the same time- honored national banner, there would be guarantee of ■ecurity — for no part could with impunity be attacked ; and there would be substantial economical advantages, for imperial policy would be shaped with a view to the conservation and promotion of all varied interests. One of |those projects, though at the time deemed a little ▼isionary. has already become an accomplished fact. What of the possibilities of the Imperial idea ? It was soon after my arrival, towards the close ot the Crimeam war — in which, after much endurance, and one of the greatest sieges on record, the fortressed City ofSebastopol was taken by the allied armies, and the haughty pride and menace of Bussia laid in the dust — a congenial theme, and an audience wrought up to kindred enthusiasm — that ho made one of those great platform speeches of itseli scfficient to place him in the front rsnk of living orators. In discussing the situation there was accuracy of detail and precision of technical and military phrase, and a \ ividness of coloring that would have done credit to one who had mingled in the strife. There was a very decided impression that the best interests of a noble civilization, and of a nobler christj*- PE1180NAL NARRATIVE. 18 anity, wore bound up with the success of the allies. Believing that God was ntill "the Lord of Hosts " — the Supremo Arbiter of nations — he referred, for patriotic purposes, to sacred historic faet, and to the might of ancient Hebrew warriors. Full of the fire of that theme, with unrivalled improssiveness of elocution, on the destruction of Sennacharib's host, he quoted some stanzas of Byron's Hebrew melody : ** The Asajnan came dowa, like the wolf on the fold, And his cohorts wene Kleamiug in p«rple and gold; And the sheen of their spears was like the stars on the sea, When the blue wave rolls nightly on deep Galilee." From that time in pastoral relation, while stationed in the city of Fredericton, in frequent visits, in closely confidential friendship, in unbroken correspondence, through all the years between, there has been oppor- tunity afforded for forming an estimate of his life and character. That there were unwise impulses, by which at times he was borne along into imprudent courses, was only too plain, and a matter of regret to his boat 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. To chronicle tne mere facts of life, and to indicate successive steps b}'^ which, through " steep and starry " way, he urged his course involves no difficult task; but there were elements and attributes of such a life which cannot be readily delineated. For these, however, a brighter and more enduring record remains. Greatness and goodness, mental power and moral worth, each reflecting brightness on the other, will combine to con- liili ; ' 20 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. Btitute for him a monument more beautiful than Parian marble, and more enduring than Corinthian brass: " As the brightness of heaven and the stars in the firmament, for ever and ever." I l\ ♦i III. PROFESSIONAL DISTINCTION. **The tcience of juriaprudenc* is certoinljth* mostLonorable occupation of tke understanding." — Sir J. Maek%nto$h. In 1832, L. A. Wilmot — the initial letters of whose name formed the word Law^ and often in that style used for HJgnaturo — having succossfully and satisfactorilj 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 without 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 stammer- ing tongue, aspire to the dignity of a pleader!" But from the 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 Mepublic of letters. In this domain there are no hereditary honors. Distinctions can only be achieved bymdividnal effort. Each competitor must win and wear." On that and similar occasions, in the same strain, he no doubt '' -.r.^— H *Vi fil ml I lUnl 1 i i ! II : III! i ! K York was emulous to attempt and achieve for his native Province. " His political principles," he said, in a later speech, "were not of yesterday. He had gleaned tliem from the history of his c^ .try — a country they were all proud to own. Would any honorable meniber dare to tfU him that because they were three thousand miles aT7ay from the heart of the British Empire, the blood of freemen should not flow through the veins of sons of New Brunswick." The entrance of L. A. Wilmot, at that particular period, into the parliamentary arena, where he had to confront many able and veteran politicians, that were still thoroughly committed to ihe established order of governmental administration, and where ho might expe- rience the <* Stern joy that warriors feel In foemen worthy of their steel," was of a character sufficiently marked and memorable to constitute an epoch in the annals of the Now Bruns- wick Legislature. " As a debater," says a Boston writer, at the time probably a resident in Fredericton, " ho was for many years the chief attraction of the House of Assembly. With imposing person, large forehead, handsome features, and keen eagle eye ; with ready vvit, cutting sarcasm, quick intuitions, enthusiastic declamation, a hearty sympathy with everything gener- ous and good, and with scorn and hatred of every form of wrong, he wielded a potent influence." He had the advantage of commanding personal presence — unfailing resource of speech, adequate to the widest range of political discussion — the instincts and intuitions of geauine statesmanship — readiness in debate and aptitude i)f reply — ability at will to wield a polished weapon of POLITICAL LIFE AND HOUSK OV ASSEMBLY. 29 satire — a brilliant wit, which, like the harmless summer lightning, for mere amusement, played aroand the ■abject, or, In moments of intensity, gleamed forth with' sudden and scathing stroke — a magnificent voice, in lightest whisper audible to any assembly, and in impas^ sioned declamation rolling into thunder-peal. These were amongst important qualificationi| which, in any arena of statesmen and parliamentary orators, ordinarily command proud distinction and ensure acknowledged success. By gentlemen who listened to his great speeches in the Provincial Assembly — in contention for eonstitutional liberty and the overthrow of monopoly — fifiimiliar with debates in the English House of Commons,' it has been asserted that never, according to their judgment, had his greater efforts been surpassed. The system of government at that time existing in New Brunswick and other Colonies, was that usually known as " the Family Compact." Offices of honor and emolument were monopolised by persons that had come out to the Provinces for that purpose. The Legislative and Executive Councils had in possession all governing power. They were almost exclusively and uniformly filled from classes claiming to constitute the aristocracy of the country. Members of the "Compact" wore generally closely allied by family relationship or busi- ness association. Government was administered in virtue of what they regai'ded as an essential and inherent right of the ruling class. They only were supposed to possess requisite qualifications for official duty and legi- timate claim to promotion. The patronage of the Crown, consequently, was dispensed and its power distributed within a narrow and favored circle. Crown officials were not in any way amenable to the 30 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. f! 1 till li mi representatives of the people ; and, in any case of rem- onstrance, members of that body were treated with but scant courtesy. For any gifted member of the Assembly to aspire to office, emolument, or governmental position, was deemed and stigmatized evidence of restless, intrigu- ing, and even disloyal temper and spirit. Especially for any one who had evinced a disposition to disturb the comfortably established system, and who had the •audacity to challenge the constitutional right and expe- dience of the dominant policy, there was not the slightest hope of preferment. In combination with relentless conservatism, as the direct consequence of monopoly and intolerance, there was an attempt at ecclesiastical domination, which by Dissenters, as then designated, was felt to be exceedingly oppressive. For the offence of conducting occasional religious service on the Sabbath day, in a spirit worthy of Stur-Chamber and Stuart days and dynast}', Mr. Wm. Wilmot, father of the Judge, was expelled from, or refused admittance to, his place in the House of Assembly. The principles with which, from the commencement ol 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 patriotic feeling which teat and throbbed through every sentiment and move- ment, in the bitterness and asperity of party debate, was taunted with the taint of disloyalty. The imputa- ■■>■ POLITICAL LIFE AND HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY. 31 tion, however, could not turn him aside from the lino of well-defined duty. Ho had the courage of his convictions ; and in indignant and burning eloquence, meeting scorn with scorn, threw back the unwarranted imputation. " Those who contended for liberal principles," he said, in one of those renowned field-days, then common enough in the New Brunswick Legislature, but which have no parallel in the tamer proceedings of modern parliamentary debate, " had their names covered with obliquy. They asked for a constitution that, while it protected the Queen upon the throne, threw, at the same time, its paternal arms around the helpless infant. They asked for the pure, the free, the glorious constitution of England ; for this they had contended, for this the Liberals 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 would upset all Family Compacts, that would give the sons of New Brunswick their birth- right — the benefit of free institutions and of self-govern- ment. He defied any honorable member to look at his political life and say where he had overstepped the bounds of the Coustitution. If ho did live three thousand miles from the great body of the empire, still that empire sent its blood through the veins of every British subject. A son of New Brunswick had the same rights to the benefit of her institutions as a resident of London ; and he would not submit to be cut off by any political manoeuvrings." * i Through many years of conflict, embittered by contempt of the governing class, impelled by conviction ♦Political notes by Q. E. Fenety, Esq. 32 HON. JUDOK WILMOT. of pressing necessity for constitutional change, and the introduction into the system of Colonial Government of elements compatible with fair and equitable administra- tion, Mr. Wilmot and his coadjutoi*8 struggled on to ultimate and decisive success.* The ''compact" monopoly was swept away, and the despotism of oligarchy demo- lished. Responsible government was fUlly inaugurated, and the prineiple of ministtrial acconntability, long the accepted basis of British administration, was adopted as the solution of difficulties between the executive and representative departments of government. Instead of permanent official appointments, advisers of thi Crown were to bo selected from the party at the time in the ascendency ; and provision was made for obtaining the sanction of constituencies to all departmental appoint- ment8. To all positions of honor and emolument, without regard to class or creed, and free from social restrictions, the avenues were fully opened. The Hon. L. A. Wilmot, in 1848, was appointed Attorney General of the Pro- vince. The government thus organized for the purpose of giving effect to responsible policy, comprised a large and influential conservative element; and in the matter of arrangements there was necessity for compromise. But, in regard to the main principle, the colors of the Attorney General were never lowered. " He could not forget the election of 1842," he said, in one of his great speeches in the House of Assembly, " when responsible * Through all this contest, calculated, as in a crucible, to try the metal and the mould of men, as an able tactician— capable of flank morement — an adept in the manipulation ef resolutions, and a competent exponent of great constitutional principles, Mr. Wilmot found an able and aceompUsbed colleague in Mr. Chas. Fisher, now Judge of the Supreme Court. POLITICAL LIFE AND R0U8E OF ASSEMBLY. 33 try of and Mr. government was scouted, jeered at, and held up to ridicule orer the length and breadth of the land. Bat a different day had dawned upon the Province. The people had informed themselves — had begun to see and underatand and appreciate those glorious principles — the principles of the British Constitution — not his principles alone; they were the principles of every British subject. He was a mere machine in working out the great sj'stem ; but those great and glorious principles would live when those who heard his voice were laid low in the dust. Those principles were not intended for the exclusive benefit of one class, or oio party, or one iUmily, but for the benefit of every class, of every party, and of every family over the length and breadth of the land. Besponsible government held out even-handed justice and fair-play to all. He had put on the uniform when it was covered with obliquy, and had worn it amidst scoutings and jeers, and felt proud to bear it now." * Having been urged to become a candidate for the Speakership in the House of Assembly for 184T, breath- iug the genuine spirit of a patriot statesman, he wrote : " As I believe ' there is a Providence 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 involving the present and future prosperity of this Pro- vince, and the North American Colonies generally, wherein I should like to take an active part: Confed- eration of all the North American Colonies — establish- ment of a pure Free Trade between the Colonies and the Mother Country — thorough reform in our Parish Schools * Political notes by 6. E. Fenety, Esq. 34 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. I'll I j t i ii! * — comprohonsivo and practicable Schomo for tho allot- mont and occupation of our wildernosH lands by a .superior class of Immigrants — hand to hand fight against our corrupt system of appropriating tho Public Kcvcnue until it is exterminated, or rather eradicated. Those and other questions of less moment arc fraught with incalculable advantagos, if rightly disposed of. To bring about the two first, would be worth the expenditure of what little of life I have remaining, and the lives of a score of better men. What shall I do ? 1 want to be free to act, and to act with all my enoi'gies on these questions, and I fear the Chair would bo a dead weight upon me — and if so, I want no dead weight. We must give up our lives for the conflict. It will be principle against prejudice, purity against corruption, greatnest against littleness, light against darkness, Briiish glory against Bluenose tinsel, tho Sun against a rush light —and yet true as aro these antithetic descriptions, there will be found those who will make a despoiate defence for the corruption, the littleness, tho darkness, &c., and who will tell us the country will bo ruined by their accomplishment." From the several measures of great utility, shadowed forth in the Attorney General's scheme of government, including railway extension, reciprocity, consolidation of law, agriculture and education, it would not bo easy to form any adequate estimate of his executive ability. There was no clear field for statesmanship. 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 ascer- tained and determined. The adaptation and adjustment of gevernment functions to new and altered conditions '' ;iit POLITICAL LIFE AND HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY. 36 and circumstances, very fully occupied the time and thought of the Assembly. 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 pro- portion to the resources of the Province. There was expectation of immediate retrenchment. But there were also, as a disturbing and confusing element, the claim and complication of vested right. A delioate and dex- terous hand was required to draw a distinct and satis- factory line of mediation between conservative and liberal section and sentiment, and equally and evenly to protect and promote individual and provincial interests. " Ho was at present," said the leader of responsible adminis- tration, " a member of Government, yet he felt himself unchanged in regard to high salaries. He had witnessed from his yomth up the evil effects of them in this com- munity, 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 faculties, and to receive the benefit of his mind."* The great work of Hon. L. A. Wilmoi's puplic life, however, and that by which its special value and per- "* I am willing not only to admit, but even anxions to assert, that in fixing the amount of official salaries in British North America, great frugality should be observed. In countries recently settled it is of moment that moderate and simple 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, ofllcial men to dis- tinguish themselves from other classes by a less strict economy and a more costly style of life." — Loid Olenelg. 36 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. mftuent status must be tested and determined, has already been indicated. Were chiselled column, and niche in trophied temple, needed for national commemoration, it might be appropriately inscribed, Executive JResponsibUity. But the groat harmonizing principle of constitutional government, impressed upon the institu- tions of his conntry, carries with it an imperishable record : *' A life in civic action wftrm, • A 8onl on highest oiiMion sent, A potent Toice in Pitrliament ; A pillar steadfast in the storm " It was a proud satisfaction, calculated to exalt one's estimate of political principle, for which, as a rule, public men do not get undue credit, at the close of a brilliant career, through a most exciting period, that, in review of his course as member of the House and leader of party, in office and in opposition, while conscious of many a mistake, there had never, as a rule of action, been deliberate compromise of right; and ^bat never from any sel^sh or vindictive feeling or motive, and not for the advantage of temporary triumph, had his policy been shaped. All measures and movements had been prompted and prosecuted by a patriotic rogaixi for the public welfare ; and were that part of his life to be lived over, with the same ligh^. he would still aim at the same goal. There was ulwe^'-s, according to Mr. Wilmot's poli- tical idea, a thorn in the usual mode of securing votes. FrcMn the meaB^oss and mortification of a personal canvass be recoiled with all the energy of a sensitive and finely^striM^ nature. The electors, at a public meeting, and opponents of every caste and shade, he was prompt and proud to meet ; and, under such cir- POLITICAL LIFE AND HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY. 37 cumstancoB, was glad to expound his policy. But there was that in personal solicitation of political support which he could not hrook; and to which, without sense of degradation, he could not condescend. Onco he had been induced to start upon a personal political canvass. In urgent and plausible manner it had been represented that important interests were at stake, that their opponents were astute, politic and« determined ; and that, at any hazard, he must conquer his reluctance, compromise with all sensibility in regard to the matter, and canvass, by personal visit, the voters of the Connty. Mounted on the saddle, in the harvest season of the year, taking his way up the river some- where in the direction of Long'n Creek, firiding a farmer — an old political supporter — at work in the field, without touching the purport of his own visit, entered into a general conversation, and feeling a sense of humiliation, at once i*ode back to the cit3\ Through the County were' numerous and loyal supporters and fast political friends, who, for the victory of his banner, would have made anj'' sacrifice. In the course of an electioneering campaign, however, in comparison with an obscure but active canvasser, he might be placed at disadvantage in the contest. Though, in the first place, in 1834, his seat in the House of Assembly was obtained by acclamation ; yet subsequently, in no less than four general elections, L. A. Wilraot had abundant experience of the incon- venience, expenditure, 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. Aroased ■ ■'I 1 N ..I 38 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. mt by partizan and inflammatory speeches, the several constituencies had ample license and opportunity for excess and explosion. The agitation through all those days swept over the country, deepened in its course, and not unfrequently ended in turbulente and almost riot. In some re8j)ect8 the eloquent 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 fierce collision of adverse factions, the impetuous and combustible elements of composition and mental consti- tution, 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. The most severely contested election seems to have been that ot 1842. Then Mr. Wilmot, who for eight years had been a member of parliament, and the active and accomplished leader of the liberal party, though now only thirty-throe years of ago, stood prominently before the country as the champion of responsible administration : '* And moving up from high to hightr, Became, on fortune'ii crowning slopt, The pillar of a people's hop*." In the meantime, however, the opposition was formidable, and the battle was furious. All the scattered forces of the old conservative system, marshalled with consummate skill, were gathered into most determined opposition. The adherents of opposite standards reso- lutely maintained the struggle, and fiercely contended for victory. For the reform party the contest appai'ently proved to be a most disastrous one. In a House of Assembly of forty-one members, the only representatives POLITICAL LIFE AND HOUbE OF ASSEMBLY. 39 •of that principle were Messrs. Wilraot and Fisher. In Fredericton the poll was for a time threatened by a rough, lawless, and unfranchised crowd. For the pro- tection of voters, and the prevention of organized intim- idation, it was found expedient to call out the militarv. In double file 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 closcMr. Wilraot, amongst the successful candidates, unrolled a scarlet silk flag, bearing the significant motto, Responsible Government.* Through Queen Street, from the old Court House, to a platform near Phoenix Square, he was carried by his enthusiastic supporters; and, amidst deafening cheers, made a splendid and stirring speech. The banner thus exultingly unfurled, borne in triumphal 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. There had been everywhere, for reform, signal defeat and sure disaster; and, over the entire iield, their banners trailed sadly in the dust. The party of progress, for the time, was thoroii_jhly aid 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. Tcmpoi-ary disadvantage they might be doomed to experience. But, in the end, their princi- ples, guaranteed by the spirit of British constitutional libert}', were certain to prevail: *' For freedom'^ battle, ones begun, Bequeathed by bleeding iir« to son, Though baffled oft, is ever won." * For the main facts in this part of the narrative I hare been indebted to Rev, D. D. Currie — an interested eye-witness. Messrs. Wiimot and Fislitr were third and fourth on the poll. !«>:' 1^ hi m 40 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. In 1844, as a slight tribute to the progreBS of liberal ideas, Mr. Wilmot was appointed a member of the- Executive; but, disapproving of Sir William Colebrooke's impolitic and arbitrary action in the appointment of his son-in-law, Mr. Eeade, to important government office,, involving direct violation of a vital principle and con- tention, and deemed subversive of representative respon- sibility, that position was soon after resigned. It is not to be wondered at that a keenly-sensitive and high-toned mind, though eininently qualified for parliamentary debate, and delighting in the discussion of constitutional questions, should recoil and retire 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. By the enthusiasm and organization of friends and party, without personal canvass or campaign, at the general election of 1846, he was proudly and triumphantly returned for the old constituency. The star of reform was now in the- ascendency. The influence of Mr, Wilmot was felt to- be irresistable ; and, as Attorney General, he became- leader of the coalition government — containing a large* conservative element, but construtted on a liberal basis — and Premier of the Province. In 1850, for the last time, Hon. L. A. Wilmot was- a candidate for the suffrages of York. Though absent from the Province on that occasion, the Attorney General, whose name and reputation were the pride and ornament of his country, had good and sufficient reason m 1 POLITICAL LIKK ANI» lInLtiE OF ASSEMBLY. 41 Lsis mi md ion for counting upon continued and loyal support. But, in common with most men of commanding position, who, at a ^roat sacritice, accept onerous public service, ho was made to experience a little of the fickleness of conKtitiien<*ics. For some real or imajj^inary grievance the Oraniiemen, a powerful organization through that part of the country, went into strong and solid opposition. By a veiy slender vole his seat was saved. The chafed feeling, in all probability, consequent upon the unsatis- factorv result of this contest, contributed to his subsequent retirement fiom political life. "A groat luminary," says Mr. Foiety. in his valuable political notes, '' set in Ncmi darkness on the day that Mr. Wilmot lett the Forum for the IkMich. lie was the light of the house for twenty-five years, the centre irom whence I'adiated most of the sparkling gems in the political firmament. It was at a time of iife, foi- he wa* comparatively a young man, and at a period when talents suoh as his were mostly wanted by hispai'ty and the country." By retirement from political office at that transition period, the party with which through ])olitical life he had been identified was, for the time, very considerably weakened Comple-K reasons, of the cogeney of wtiich he was most competent to judge, they doubtless were that doteimined his course. But it was quite certain that, whatever disadvantages of a temporary character might be e.vperienced in regard to the main princijile of con- stitutional reform, there could be no great reaction. The banner, therefbi'e, which, still untarnished, he had bravely borne through many a struggle, might be safely committed to other hands. il 42 II()\. .lUlXlK Wn.MoT. All itilorcstini^ episode of 3Ii'. Wilniot'js earliest political life, probably in 1836, fraught ir. uftcr days with i^ratifying reininiseeneos, was a mission to England. The immediate object of the delegation, then an extra- ordinary eve. ft in colonial historj*, was to obtain for the reprcsentalivo Assembly the control of Crown-land rights and revenues — th(^ main spoke in the wheel of compact administration — and to make the voice of the Eoform party heard at the foot of the throne. The interest ,ii' a visit to the Old Country, for one ol'his romantic taste lulturedmind, eLthusiastic impulse, and loyal pi'ido of race and nationality, cannot bo easily described. Ey .MiH of i lie '.-.yalist stamp that land was always reverently' i iid •ilfv.-tionately spoken of as *' home." *' The distant sea-girt isle Our fathers loved, and taught their sons to love. As the dear home of freemen hrave and true." It was the land of his ancestors, and of a noble race whoso blood flowed in his veins and pulsated thiough every nerve — the land of Shakespeare and Milton and Cowper, whose mother-tongue was his own, and whose irems of beautiful thought and crvstalised expression had enriched his ample and opulent diction— the land of Pitt and Brougham and Ersklne, and other repre- sentative men of parliamentary and fv3rensic renown, whose burning thoughts and luminous eloquence, evoked and intensified by the supreme interest of the hour and occasion, ho had pored on and pondered until saturated with the same spirit and sentiment — the land of proud achievement in arts and arms and the home of that constitutional liberty for which, in a now colony, he and his coadjutors were resolutely contending — the land PfH.ITICAL LIKK ANI> IIOUSK OF ASSKMBLV. 4o est [vys ttul. tru- tho land cl of the • one )u\se, jtisily I was of as c race rough n and whose ession c Uind reprc- novvn, jvoked ur and u ruled proud )f t\iat >i»y he Ihc land of proud hisloric deed, and of consecrated assoeialion — ^ of stately and storied castle, anver nnd wily opponents. But «ach was the ccmtrast, that in alter days the appointment was compared to the yoking up in the same team of a rettran charger, chafed with stiffness of age, and a fiery racer that spurned the hit and bounded for the course." I' *l it it i m 44 HON. JUDGK WILMOT. JiOrtl Glonel^", at that time Colonial MiniHtcr, an advocate of liberal priiiciplcs, and a thoi'oughly upright statesman, from extensive acquaintance with colonial affairs, and ample experience of official life, in relation to the special object for which the delegation iiad been appointed, was conji)etent to otter ])rudent counsel, and in a position to all'ord valuable aid. In regard to per- sonal and pi'ofessional preference and promotion, where crown-patronage was concerned, he would willingly have pledged the fullest considoratien. Had there been, on the part of the New Brunswick dcj)utation. a dispo- sition to neg ;tiate for j)rivatc advantage, that mission to Downing Stieot might have been turned to ])rofitabIe account. ♦ It was apparent also to members of the British Cabinet that the colonial j^olitician possessed some rare qualifications, quickness of apprehension, and a high order of eloquence, that might be turned to account in pai'liamentary debate, and whicli might contribute to the strength of the liberal i)arty in the House of Commons. A proposal was made that if he would remain in Kngland a constituency should at once be found for him. It is useless now to speculate on what the achievements of life might have been had he, at that period, when habits of thought were still in forma- tive process, consented to enter Imj»erial Parliament. ft was a point with the delegation, remembering that the taunt of disloyalty had sometimes been the penalty of prominence in movement for popular right to obtain presentation at Com-t; 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 tlie details POLITICAL LIFK AN1> IKtUSF, <»K ASSEMBLY. 45 11) to of onlu be hat at •ma- rl ng the ight core, jnelg tails of Court costume spooilily urrungod. It may bo .safely a.sserteil that, however brilliant and (llstinguishccl may have been the array on that occasion, there was not any one of more Courtl}' presence and bearing than the untitled representative of an obscure Province. Ordinary regal etiquette was considerably disturbed when Mr. Wilmot was delayed and questioned by his Britannic Majesty concerning antecedents and family relationship, ft was expected, of course, that with a brief answer he would gracefully retire; but, to the consternation of LordGlenelg, unaccustomed to the freedom of impromptu speeches and trembling for the temerity of the attempt, impressed with royal condescension and (fetermined to make the most of the opportunity, he burst the awful barriers of state and, in loyal ])hrase, thanked His Majesty for generous considoi'atioii of C )lonial 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 b:'ief inter- ruptioii, the order of presentation and ])r(>cessi()n was resumed. As representative of the Province of New Brunswick, in 1850, Mr. Attorney General Wilmot attended the International Ilailwa}' Convention at Portland, in the State of Maine. The occasion was one of more than ordinary interest. It was the first limo, since Banker Hill, for the promotion of beneficent and national pro- jects, that sons of Loyalists and Eovolutionists had met in fi'aternal intercourse. The fla(js of the two countries were interwoven. The Convention was summone(icc to the men and (he measures of the American liepublic. Statesmen, having in ehai'ge great destinies, were not believed to have clean hands; presi- dential elections were likely to produce serious disturb- ance; the great West, the safety valve, Avould till up, and then the Union would l)e subjected to its sev( i-est strain. Jiut, at the Convention, international themes Avere to the front : the common heritage of the conquer- ing Saxon race — the advar.tages of international comity — the era, now beginning to dawn, oi greatly increased inter-communication — the splendid developments of an unfettered commei'ce — the banners of the liepublic hnd m "i ic POLITICAL LIFE AM) IIOLSE *>V ASSKMllLY. 4l of rtio Empire: the stun-y folds of the Union, omhiotna- tical of God's groat worics in croalion, aiul the rcd-oross flag of England, of groaler woric in Uodcniption, waving in undisturbed harmony — "Till the war-drum tlirolibcd no loiigvr, And the battle-flags were furled In the Parliament of man, the Federation of tUo world."' JJetwecn the British Colonies and tlnj United States there was a natural, geographical, and commercial inier-depcndence. In tlje name of concoi-d and mutual welfare and prosperity, he proclaimed a hond of indis- soluble union between the two countries. By means of the iron rail, their possessions, broad as the (.'ontinent, would be linked together; and, like the wedding ring, the .symbol of plighted faith, it wouhl constitute a guarantee of permanence. Under that ban he jiealed aiuitheina upon the restless demagogues of oithei- land who should seek to part them asunder. There were many able and eloquent speeches at that Portland Convention, Jrom ])arliamentary and public men — both sides of the line — but to Aitorney-deneral Wilmot, by conimon consent, was awarded (he j):i!m of consummate, crowning oratory. He cai'ricd Uio audience by Btorra. To people across the bordei', accustomed to political declamation, it was a matter of amazement that their most brilliant men should be i-omjdetely eclipsed. It was a still greater cause of mystevj- liow a >tyle of oratory, of the imaginative and im})assioned tyj)e, j'cgardcd as peculiai'ly a production of tlio cliiv;ilroas^ and sunny South, could have been born and nurliired amidst the frigid influences and monarchial. instiiutions II >'■ 48 HON. jrnOK WILMOT. m. of u lilouk jiM(l i'og}^}' forest Province. Tlierc wore ucfoinpanj'in^ udvantages which stamped t!io effort aw supi'erne of its hind. Dramatic action, consummate grace of rhetorical expression, a voice of matchless powei" and wondrous modulation, contributed to the heightened effect. To a very considerable extent the elocjuence was impromptu; and therefore largely took its caste and C()mj)texion, a])t allusions and rich sur])i'ises, — from the Immediate scene and its surround in ijs. That magnificent burst of oratory swept over the audience like fire amongst stubble, and like the tempest that bends forest trees. Reporters are said to have dropped theii' j)encils and yielded to the magnetic, resistless Hj)ell ; and the people, gathered in dense mass, wore wi'ought into a frenzy of excitement and enthusiasm. It was very importunately 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 Ilevolutionary hero, a century ago, wh«n tempted b}- a bribe of British gold; "but the King of Great Britain, with all the treasures of his exchequer, is not rich enough to buy me." Time works its own revenges. " What is 3'our price?" demanded a knot of wealthy Republicans — believing in the Sir Robert Walpole doctrine: "My price," said the Hon. L. A. Wilmot, "what is it that you mean?" "Every man has 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 b}^ the sea, had he been accessible on that side, might, as ho aftoiv.rirds phrased it, have bceij "turned into a Repub- lican stump orator.' But he had the stern stuff of that ,1 1 nOI.,T/C.U, UKK A.V„ „ol-.,K OK A8,K«1„.V 49 *; To struggle in the sclid ranks of truth To clutch the monster error by the thrn»» • To bear opinion to a loftier s'at. ''''*'"*' To bot he era of oppression ou; And lead a now and nobler freedom in • i •^a.-^ v.— THE BENCH. \ :t!i ■i '■ J " The pure and impartial administration of justice is, probably, the firmest bond to secure a cheerful submission of the people, and to engage their affections to government," — Letters of Junius. In January, 1857, Hon, L, A. Wilmot was appointed Judge of the Supremo Court; and it is as Judge Wilmot that now, in a hirgo cii'cle, he is remembered and venerated. The Chief Ju^iti('eship, then vacant, foUowing the analoii-y of the British Constitution, was c'. In his appointment to the Bench the ermine, it was never doubted, would be worn with dignity, grace, and unsullied puyty. One trial during his presidency as Judge of iho Supi-eme Court, amongst scientitic men, and through the country, is said to have excited a deep and wide- spread interest. Amongst the witnesses summoned, if I do not mistake, were Professoi- Sedgewick, the noted geologist, and some of the most eminent scientists of the United States. The issue ot the trial depended chiefly upon correct classitication of a minci-al, j\ species of arthracite, extensively used in the manufacture of kerosencoil, commoidy known as Albert coal. Testimony in this case, for pui'poses of accuracy. com])rised some vei-y minute distinctions and abundance of technical terminology. The Judge was now in his element: a?i-eneral admiration. Fi'om inleiliuent si)ectators, and distinguished witnesses, most competent to determine, ho won acknowledgment of the highest encomium. The value, to his countr}'. of nKiny yeai's service, in faithful dischaj'ge of judicial duties, consonant with the ])ure and lofty spii'it of Bi-itisji legal administration, from a mere reference to isolati'd cases, cannot be indi- cated or estimated. '-Justice is the greatest interest of man on eartii. It is tlie ligament which holds civili- zed beings and civilised nations togethei*. Wherever TlIK RENCII. i)0 hor temple stands, and as long as it is duly honored, there is a foundation for security, and /!:enoral happi- ness, and the improvement and progress of our race. And whoever labors on this edifice with uscfulnc.*;s and and distinction, whoever clears its foundations, strength- ens its pillars, adorns its entablatures, or contributes to raise its august dome i'till higher in the skies, con- nects himself in name and fame and character with that which is and must be durable as human society." -'' During the period of his connection with the Bench, a relief from severe strains of judicial duty, in response to pressing application, taking advantage of convenient and legitimate method of acting upon popular thought and feeling, Judge Wilmot occasional!}' lectured on subjects of literary and patriotic interest. A series of Lyceum addresses in the city of St. John, 1858-1), grew into fnme. The audiences and excitement were unprc^- cedentod. A writer of the time, in a critique upon one of these efforts, in a paragraph now before me, for elo- quence and power, claims that it had never been sui-- passod in that city — that alone it was sutfieient to stamp " the learned lecturer as oiic of the foremost platform orators of the continent, "f At some points, in this memoiable course, the line of thought brought up burning questions and led to the discussion of monitory historic facts. Fired by a sense of the tremciulous sig- niticanco of such a theme, stern as well as spleiurul pa- sages burst from his lips. The fervent utterances, however, were in one (;ase denounced as mere Protestant philippics. The propriety of such a rote, on the part of •a Judge of the Supreme Court, was [tublicly ques- * Webster, t Courier. 56 HON. JUDU£ WILMOT. •i ' s!'! lionod. But must tho lips of legal dlgnatarics, 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 specially qualified to discuss ? Is the ermine of such delicate quality and of such sen- sitive purity that, by mere contact with the earnest, throbbing movements of a living humanity, it may be soiled or sullied? 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 unfalter- ingly maintained, breathe and burn with tho spirit and sentiment to which we are indebted for the priceless boon of civil and religious liberty. The}' have the ring of Luther's thundering theses: While under protection of the flay of my country and in possession of British freedom, I cannot allow any power or party, political or ecclesiastical, to dictate as to when, how, or ichere 1 shall e.iplain and defend Protestant tenets and expose opposing systems. ^'' * Carleton Sentinal. VI.— LIEUTENANT-G OVERNOR. " If Governors were actuated by the same benevolent spirit, which Christianity was ni*^ant to infuse into the minds of those whom they are appointed to govern, the blessings of public as well as private life would be more widely diffused and more per- manently secured." — Dr. Parr. Upon the Federation of the British Colonies, of Nortb America, into the Dominion of Canada, 1868, in acknowledgement of important public services, not for- gotten through several years of comparitive seclusion, a tribute also to distinguished and commanding personal qualities, the Hon. L. A. Wilmot was appointed first native Governor of New Brunswick. The appointment was creditable to all concerned. It could not, on any side, be open to the imputation of political party pur- pose 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 mental and moral qualities, and to the splendid services by w^hich a reputation had been made far beyond the boundaries of the Province. Release from onevous judicial duties, and the comparative leisure of governmental administration, afJbrded ample oppor- tunity for literary and floral pursuits and pleasures. What w^as of greater consequence an influence, always employed for good and beneticient interests, was '''rgely augmented. There was also, in that appointment, as evidence of completeuess and consummation of import- ant life-work, conscious and undisguised satisfaction ■ I* it I'i 58 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. 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, and all influential positions in the land, for gifted and industrious students, the aven- ues were now fully opened : " And we, in larger measure, now inherit What made our forerunners free and wise." As young men, of colonial birth and education, go forth to duty and effort and, with all the incentive and stimulus of possible achievement, aspire to public and professional distinction ; in laudable ambition let them not forget that to Hon. L. A. Wilmot, and to his com- peers and compatriots, for a valuable hei'itage of birth- right and freedom, they owe an unspeakable debt of gratitude. To them, worthy of emulation and ultimate- ly crowned with brilliant and decisive success, in pre- sence of rugged and thorny pathway of duty, has been bequeathed an example of persistence and unfaltering effort : '' Lives of great men all remind us We can make our lives sublime ; And, departing, leave behind us Footprints on the sands of time." " Yestei'day," 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 dignity of becoming Lieutenant Governor of his native Province. Sweeping away the old landmarks of vested rights and political disUnction, the day has declared that lofty sentiment, a noble genius, a loyal and pa- triotic spirit are the main tests of excellency, the grand desiderata of honor and distinction. LIEUTENANT-aOVERNOR. 59 In hailing Judge Wilmot as the new Lieutenant Governor, — ho comes to as with all these recommenda- tions, traced along a whole lifetime spent in the service of his native Provice ; and while it is posisible many of the younger portion of our people may rather incline to regard His Excel lencj' in the light of these latter days, catching tone and feeling from recent political events, we simply ask then to look back. Let them look up the records of the past, when their grandsires wei'e held in the grasp of domineering family compact who knew fto right save the right to rule, who recognjzed only as presumptuous any and every aspiration of the people seeking a v ice in the government of their own affairs. And when at length this Province was convul- sed to its very centre, when the great Magna Charta of Eesponsible Government and the people's rights was struggling into existence, let th»im ask the " old xaon'* who it was thai sprang to the front, and catching up this battle cry of the people, fought the leader in the fight until truth and right prevailed, and won for us all that social and political liberty which is to-day the boast of every true-born son of New Brunswick. Nor was this merely the work of a day. Persist- ently 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 match- less eloquence never faltered, .that earnest, manlj' plead- ing never failed, until victory crowned the efforts of himself and colleagues, and Kosponsible Government became the first principle of*the constitution. There- fore it ie that the friends of His Excellencj^ claim for him in his recent appointment that he has simply ob- 60 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. "II hrv' Davj^ copied at that time on the bianl< page of a ho.»k, and often referred to in after life, exi)ressed the ideal of coveted peace: " 1 envy not any quality of txnud or in- tellect in others: nor genius, power, wit, or fancy; but if I could choose what most delightful, and I. most use- sol to me, I should prefer Jinn religious fviih to every other blessing. It makes likes a disciplim^s of goodness ; creates new hopes when old iiopo.s vanish; throws over decay the destruction of existence the most gorgeous of all lights; awakens life even in death, and, fi*(»m cor- ruption and decay, calls \\\\ beauty and divinily ; makes an instrument of torture and of shame the laddoi* of as- cent to ]Kiradise ; and, far above all combinations of earthly hopes, calls uj) the most delightful visions and plains, and amaranths, tlie gardens of the blest and the security of everlasting joys, where the sensualist and tho sceptic view only gloom, decay, annibilation and despair." The consciousness of his acceptance with tlod was ever aclcarly attested and experimental fact. '' Through the whole course of my religious cx])erience," he was accustomed to testify, " [ never once had a doubt in re- gard to the question of pei'sonal salvation. The assur- ance of my acceptance as a child of Clod and the tirni- noss of my confidence are such that Satan cannot take an}' advantage on that side; and cannot even tempt me to doubi or fear in regard to the reality of my conver- sion.'" Through years of unfaltering decision and service for Christ, acknowledged religious consistency combin- ed with brilliant professional distinction, assiduous at- I^'l 3 t r ^1 ■ii }: ■>■■ , I ■i .:.■ ^If t r, Hi I i'^^ 1 •78 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. tendance upon all Iho appointed means of grace and api>r iciation of Christian fellowship, marked and mani- ^ .'st faith and fervor of spiritual faith and fervor of spir- itual and devotional exorciso in a measure and manner which compelled the homage of even thoughtless men, the genu'nentss of his Christian character was abund- antly exhibited. It was often apparent even amidst the dust and din, the whirl and tumult, of public life and of political strife, that he ijad found the secret places of the Most Hign. It was a privilege o^' no common order, Avith simple eloquence, almost childlike humility, and with tremulous earnestness and fervoi' of tone, to hear him publicly plead with God. li-this case, dut}* was sui:)rcme delight. When his eloquence was in the zenith of its splendor; and when, in the dise'ission of great constitutional qucstiotis, with rapt admiration, thronged audiences hung upon his lips and greeted his utterances with wild tumult of applause, as if uncons^'.ious of the possession of any qualities that lifted him above the level of the lowliest members, in the stormiest period of his life, ho devoutly and unos- tentatiously took his place in the quiet and refreshing Evening Service. To him it was no more matter of form. With the utmost simplicity of speech, tearful confession and tenderness of feeling, he would bear tes- timony, lead in hymns ol praise, and l>end in sacred su))plication. Who, that has ever beou present on such an occasion, but retains vivid impression of that noble form and of those fervent utterances. There were the distinct avowal of deep love to Chris'., of passionate longing for nearer intimacy with the loving, living Saviour, an expression of conscious dependence upon a utrong arm for help, and assurance of support for mo- CIIRISTIAX LIFE. 79 raeuts of crucial test. Thou on bonded knco there was the power of pleading, prevalent petition or the rapt fervor of silent comraiiii.son with God : on a nio- *' Sighs now breathed Unutterable, whioh tbe Spirit of prayer Inspired and winged for heaven with speedier flight Than loudest oratory." The interest Ihus manifested, always apparent, was never more intense and demonstrative, ilian in con- nection with scenes and services of revival power and blossin^ij. To these exercises, of a special character, his emotional nature rendered him peculiarly and profound- ly susceptible. In pentieostal manifestations, power from on high, and the baptistn of fire, he believed ar.\d exulted. There was probably no satisfiiction in lilc more deep and exquisite than that of witnessing eviden CCS of penitence and exhibitions of saving, sanctifying power. Never, in the most brilliant efforts and achieve- ments of public and professional life, has ho seemed greater than when bowing in prayer with sorrowing suppliants; and, with affectionate eloquence, directing tearful penitents to the cross and Saviour. * The devotional element, thus conspicuously mani- fested, was not the onl}' distinctive feature of Judge Wilmot's religious life. That intensity, always aj)- parent, was not more extraordinary than the bread ih and manysidedness of his charactor. There have brcn others endowed with a large measure of intelleftual re ceptiveness, of om.)tional fooling, of profound reverence for the word of God, ajid of capacity for unwoai-ied and life-long activities. In proportion as one or metre of those gifts or graces have predominated, tlicy have ft m p '. I I; :) J J. 80 HON. JUDOK WILMOT. challenged due rec<^''gnition. But in thifs cane, in a rare degree ot completeness, there was combination of Chris- tian excellencies : " Knowing his bleeds of love, men questioned not The faith ot one whose walk and word were right." Analogous to that life around him in nature, in which he 80 much delighted, and which tinds expansion and expression in a thousand varied forms of beauty, was the outgrowth and manifestatiou of his spiritual life. Every ])art and pulsation of being were pervaded and peiTneated by an experimental vitality thai rooted itself in Christ ; and which, in the best lorms of Chris- tian fruitfulness, found abundant exhibition. It may genei-ally be felt, however, in the outwork- ing of influential Jives, that all distinguishing excellen- cies can bo traced to the operiilion of one simple but potent princij)le. A letter from (lovernor Wilmot, bear- ing for crest-mark, with suitable device, the signiticant motto : Fide et Amore, dated trom Government House, on the last day of 18Gi), contains a passage which suffi- ciently accounts for ceaseless, steadfast service; and which, over his whole life, throws the luminous light of heavenly law. '• I feel ^ashamed of myself," he writes, in regard to xpecial effort, "and am almost resolved to decline all such work for the future. But when 1 think how little [ have done for my Saviour, and how much — O, how much — He has done for me, I am encoui-aged to go on." Unconsciously, wjicn called u])on at a representa- tive meeting to give the keynote, he indicated the domi- nant principie of his own liie, and that which gave I'asto and comjilovion to liis gonoral religious ox]ierienoG and character: It was lovr ■ the love of God and of humanity for the love of God. CHRISTIAN LIFE. 81 in loiita- [omi- Jgavo iencG lul of '•' Wc arc all one," he said, '' in thai wo belong to the Church of Christ; and the government, essence, spirit of that church is love — infinite love: i'ov as we xlwell in God, we dwell in love. May that bo our dwell- ing place for evermore ! Amid the oppositions and trials incident to a Christian life, never let us forget that our lore must be seen. Scarcely had the gloom settled down upon the garden of Gothsemane, than that match- less love was poured dawn upon men. It has passed down through the ages, and is ihe woof and warp of re- ligious experience." The iniinito, inexhaustable, everlasting love of God in Christ, inoxplicable in its manifestations, — antil the harmonies and ascriptions of cai'th and heaven blend and burn into one mighty magnificent chorus — never to be adequately celebrated, was a subject on which ho de- lighted to dwell. It fired his soul, and iilleJ his mental vision. " The love of God," he wrote, in a valued com- munication, " is a vast abyss, an unmeasnrablc expanse. Along its shores, from aii,e to age, with lengthened lino and added weight, the plummet of angol-mind has sought to sound the mystery. But the cry has ever been : the depth /' " In vain tlie first-born seraph tries To sound the depth of love Divine." In conviction of the compassionate and niuM'i'ing love of God, his own heart found firm and secure refuge ; and, from the same inexhausiible ^ou!c^, ho 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 wounds open- ed! Your hear(-sori"ow I cannot intermeddle nilh. Bui most certainlv the rod was in the hand of Infinite '.;( m V i ii m Ml |i 82 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. Love. The purpose may be hidden now, but you will know it bj'e and bye ; and your .sorrow hereafter, will be followed by a higher note of praise. ^^All things work together for good.'' Work together — that is harmonize. "Wondrous harmony ! It is a harmony made up of deep- est heart-sorrow and abounding joy — pain and suffering rf body and peace of soul — deepest abasement of bpirit and joy unspeakable and full of glory — self condemna tion and faith, justification — having nothing and yet possessing all things. What a marvellous combination and variety of tones, and yet a heavenly harmony! May you tind consolation in the conscious assurance of this Harmony of Love ! And, while you attentively listen, may you find it becoming sweeter and deeper un- til the wearied heart shall breathe forth in unison its own assurance. He doeth all ihingsiccll." In conscientious and habitual attendance at the week-night and social servicer of the church, always to him a source of strenixth and time of refreshing]: from the presence of thf> Lord, the lion. L. A .Wilmot presented an example worthy of imitation. " In his attendance to all the ordinances of the church," according to the tes- timony of Dr. Wood, going back to earliest merabcrsbip, " he was rcgu'-w, interrupted only by occasional public duties ; for, vcy early alter completing his pi'ofessional studies, he entered the tumultous arena of politics — forced out by the irresistible voice of the electors of York County." During the most active years of his life, when as a point of expedience it might not have been deemed politic to forgo legitimate social advantage, with suc- cessive Lieutenant Governors, some of whom were not quite able to comprehend the necessity for that amount CHRISTIAN LIKK. 83 tho rs to roin nled Ice to tcs- bip, blic onal cs — s of as a pmed sue- not lount of religious stricliicss, for himsolf and Mrs. Wilmot, like-minded in this essential matter, there was an un- derstanding that upon specified evenings, ihe regular week-night services of the church, invitations to official dinners and other social arrangements must be declined. " Ht had respect to the recompense of the rewardy In regard to Ihe Class-nu'cting, through which in the Methodist Church special provision is made for tho " communion of saints," Judge Wihnot formed the high- est estimate. lie was accustomed to speak of this means of grace as tho sheet anchor of his earlier religious life. Dui'ing the pastorate of Rev. E. Sutcliffe. 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 tho min- istry of the church, to whom that service was a moulding influence. From that class the^'' graduated as efficient and successful workerw for Christ. A paragraph, supposed to be from the pen of Rev. T, Burton Smith, an accomplished minister of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, indicates the cherished recollec* tions which still cling to that scene of hallowed inter- course. " His class for many j-ears has been the school for Bpirituality and instruction. Warm and tender in sym- patliy, humble and simple among his brethren, faithful in admonition, inspiring in address, and powerful in example, many will «ount it as among theii richest privileges to have been associated with him. Often have youQg men gone discouraged from the world and ready to give up. But his words have gathered up all their scattered resoluiioiis, given new warmth to thoir r^ ■ti 11 84 HON. JUIXJE WILMOT. 1 i k it ■. 1 ";■ ! -)!■■ v> 1 1- I zeal, coiii'iigo to their lio:irls, strength to their purpose and on retiring there Yum been the determination : " Nothing, nothing shall separate me from the love of God." Under the adniinistrution of such a leader the service could never degenerate into dull, insipcd routine. It was hallowetf by fervent ]):-ayer, brightened by sacred song, enlivened by experience and testimony, and ener- gised by apt application of apposite passages from the familiar pages of God's woid, and often '* one mightier 'han the leader was there." " Heaven's jjate Is opened l)y tlieir psiiliu. Then do they state, Their glad experience, ot anxious : What meed of blessing, or what bounteous sliare, Ot Mercy's ricliest gifts has been this freight. Ah ! as they speak their lifted liearts eatcli fire ; Their souls are flames, their thoughts are ectacies, And lieaven's own glory on their face is laid. Such earnest hours make men's resolves the higher; Such fervent n>en fultil high purposes : And humble men, e'en thus, are nobles made. It is of essential an:pression in all appointed religious services. But .t is also requisite, ibr the siime imperative reason, especitilly on the part of Chiistinn men and women, that a living present, principle of rw- iicrion and testimony for Christ, should be carried into every sphere and domain ol life. Consistency as a pub- lic man, for Hon. L. A. Wilraot's christian pi-ofession, •constituted a genuine mark of validity and of sterling woith. There was no tendency to compromise. From the top of the mast his colovs always caught the bree/.o ; riii- CHRISTIAN LCFE. 85; nd im- sdcom- Chris- leiiuinc inUvl 8iuno )ir-ti:iu of i«- 4 into a ptib- .^ssion, ,erliiig Fi'om lee/.e ; ) |>rin- ciplc. In professional duty, in poUtical circles, in admin- istration of government, in the amenities of social life, by unshrinking jivowjil cf conviction and practical obedience to sacred injunction, earnest religiousness and unswerving lo^-aUy to the Saviour, his attitude and in- fluence were felt, acknowledged and venerated. For the amalgamation of Church and world, fashion and, religion, there was never iuiy insiduous attempt, " Would you say of any one place of fashionable gaity,'" asks Dr. Chalmers, '• that it makes a good ante-, chamber of preparation for that house of solemn inter- view in which converse is held, either with the infill small voice within, or with that God above who bidy 3'ou sanctify Him at all times in your hearts, and to do> all things to Ilis glory ?" There are scenes and circles, bringing with them the taint of worldlincss, the very atmosphere of which is absolutely' unfriendly to com- munion with God, into which some ])rofesse(lly christian people thoughtlessly and foolishl}- plunge, that he hab- itually antinn ])rinciple must now be fought. It was lute before Mr, Wood was informed of the actual facts and the peril to which he was exposed. An affectionate message, of warning and solicitude, was immediatelj- sent. The event was left in the hand of God. From docility of spirit, and decisiveness of dis- cipleship, previously exhibited, there was believing hope that he would renounce the world, take up the cross and cling to Christ and the church. But there was also a tremulous solicitude and anxiety as to the choice and issue ef that ordeal. At the conimencemo3it of the service the conirresra- tion was large. But, as the preacher's eye glanced and sw^ept down the aisle, and through the audience, there was no immediate relief To his great gladness, how- ever, duriug the singing of the second hjnnn, after the opening prayer, in fine commanding person, followed by his youthful bride, Mr. Wilmot 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 character of all the future." In Judge Wilmot, as an ordinary hearer, the preach- er, in fulfilment of his mission and message, found uni CHRISTIAN LIFE. 87 i'rcga- ng his arrant n that It II re." formly an approciativo and responsive spirit. The ministry of the Gospel was regarded by him us the divinely appointed and approved agencj' and instrumen- tality for the world's regeneration ; and ministers of Christ, charged with onerous duty, were esteemed for their works sake. If the occasion demanded; and if, in- stead of earnest, faithful, and atfectiouate cx])Osition and application, there had been an apparent attempt at display — what ho would have characterized as pulpit rocket shooting — ho would subject the eflbrts to search- ing criticism. But the prevailing habit ot attention was that of devout, lowly, sympathetic feeling, and withal a striving to protit. With the minister, his in- tercour.se was th:it of frank, genial, helpful and brolher* ly s])irit. Some of us can remember days of weakness, and comparitively inexperienced effort, when the thought of the Judge's presence, and the ordeal of his searching criticism, produced a good deal of tremor and occasionally serious embarrassment. But a glance from his kindly eye and interested expression have brought relief; and a word of heart-uttered kindness, at the close, has nerved the timid, shrinking messenger to renewed courage and resolve. Though not of Methodist ancestry or antecedents ; yet, through Mrs. Wilmot, daughter of Hon. William Black, and grand-daughter of Eev. William Black, the apostle of Wesleyan evangelism in the Eastern Prov- inces, an honor which he could adc(j[uately a))j)reciate, he might claim tribal inheritance in our denominational Israel. As expressive of unswerving fidelity, and of affectionate allegiance in a sacred relationship, fraught only with beneficent influences, the exquisite words of Euth, the Moabitess, to her Israelitish mother-in-law, found fitting application : ^4 'I: n M \9 m\ I 88 HON. JUbQE, WILMOT. " Entreat mo not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee ; for whither thou gocst I will go; jind where thou lo ^ ^ 90 HON. JUDQK WILHOT. in tht Church above get past all the conflicts of denopii- national peculiarities." He exulted in the thought that, in heavenly song and service, they would ultimately meet and mingle in perfect and blessed unison ; and, fince then, that supreme ideal of christian unity has been fully realized. Bapturous anticipation has been satisfied and consummated. Amidst the light and splen- dor of emerald and gold und burning sapphire, in fault- less purity before the Throne of God and the Lamb, the rapture of beatific vision and of unutterable communion, without a note of dissonance, and with no trace of the strife and din of earth's controversies, a goodly fellow- ship, a glorious company, a noble army, the sainted onea of all evangelical churches, and redeemed ones of every clime and name, unite in lofty ascription ; and, in cease- less and unwearied service, chant their ''hymns and holy psalms, singing everlastingly." r •i, 9D01^i- ttbat, mately i; and, ty bai 18 been i spleii' n fault- mb, the Ddttnion, e of tbe fellow- ted one* of every in cease- mna and IX.— ESTEEM FOB THE WORD OF GOD. " But only when on form und word objure Falls from above the white supernal light We read the mystic characters aright; And light informs the silent portraiture, Until we pause ot last, awe-held, before The One ineffable Face, love, wondur, and adore." — WhiUier. Very apposite, m indieative of Judge Wiimot's paesion and purpose in life, is the quotation which has been chiselled on sculptured monument: The law of God is in his heart. With all the strength of his intellectual powers he pondered and perused the sacred page, and sought to comprehend and treasure up its wondrous things: His dtlight alto was in the law of the Lord. The Book and its story and especially the potent influence of the English Bible were ever, to him, sub- jects of absorbing interest, and of studious research. The touching testimony of Dr. Newman, in reference to " the uncommon beauty and marvellous English of the Protestant Bible," a favorite passage, of which ne felt the thrill and sense of exultation, in his own impressive style of elocution, was frequently emphasised and en- dorsed : " It lives in the car like music that can never be forgotten, like the sound of the church bells which the convert hardly knows how to forgo. Its felicities seem almost things instead of words ; it is a part of the national mind and the anchor of national seriousness ; the memory of the dead passes into it, the potent tra- ditions of childhood are stereotyped in its verses ; the power of all griats and trials of man are hidden beneath I! 92 HON. JUDQE WILMGT. its words. In the length and breadth of the land there is not a Protestant, with one spark of seriousness about him, whose spiritual bioj^raphy is not in the Saxon Bible."* In the Hall of Legislature, and in the court of jus- tice, he would not unfreqiiently refer to that Supreme Statute Book, the embodiment of the most ancient and comprehensive legislation, and of the noblest and purest jurisprudence; and, from that standpoint of immutable law and of authoritative enactment, made his most lu- minous expositions and enforced his most impressive appeals. The word of God was designed, as he firmly believed and testified, for nations as well as individuals: that I'y it kings might reign and princes decree justice. In the volume of inspiration there was truth for all and a marvellous adaptation to all classes of mind. It was with the word olGod as in prophetic symbol : up to the ankles, up to the knees, up to the loins; and then, according to mystic measurement, a great river — a river to swim in. "Commentators," said Judge Wilmot, " and scholarly critics swam in that river. Mathew Henry, Dr. Adam Clarke and many others swam in those waters. But there was also the ankle deep sti-eam for the children. There was a broad swelling flood, in which an elephant might swim, and there were tranquil shallows where a lamb might wade." To the accumulation of evidence consequent upon modern research and scientific investigation, especially in the department of fulfilled prophecy and of extended excavation, his attention had been closely and intelli- gently directed. The master-minds of the century might carry on their explorations. With the aids and * Dublin Review. I8TIIM FOR THE WORD OF QOD. 93 upon K'ially ended ntelli- ntury is and appliances of modern science, they might scrutinize atoms and molecules, idri 11 and bore the earth's strata, decipher monumental inscriptions, collate musty manu- scripts, sweep the firmament with that marvellous tube, " measure worlds and follow whore it moves " ; and, as the result of laborious and brilliant research and dis- covery, they would yield homage to that word of the Lord which liveth and abideth forever. Some of ihe earliest and most impressive of Hon. Judge Wi I mot's platform addresses — and the last, in lecture form, Charlottetown, 1877, — with special refer- ence to the cuniforra records of the Assyrian Empire, were upon the congenial subject of fulfilled prophecy. In the accumulation of evidence, attentive of the truth of God's word, he gveatly exulted. The impression pro- duced by his noble appeals, — while still in the golden prime of an almost peerless eloquence, — the fire, force, and freshness of his utterances, are still a vivid and valued recollection. '• He lecturet," says a competent critic, " on the Buried City — of which the Prophet Na- hum predicted : ' I will make thy grave, for thou art vile.' To the surprise of the wonder-stricken inhabi- tants ; the astonishment of the world ; the delight of the Bible-student ; the remains of this great city were discovered far below, dug out of the vevy bowels of the earth — a wonderful attestation of the truth of tho Scrip- ture account of Nineveh, which the sceptic has so long derided, and of that divine prophec}' uttered many years before — ' For thou hast made of u City an heap, of a de- fenced City a ruin ; a place of strangers to bo no City ; it shall never be built.' " Words fail to express the rich reasoning imagery — the deep the wondrous development of prophecy — ! :l». i' 1 94 HON. JUDQK WILMOT. the solemn lesBons of warning which characterised this noble oifoi*t. We will only ndd, it was one of the richest specimens of sublime, Boul-stirring eloquence, we hare ever listened to; and sustained, in all its force, the fame of the speaker as one of the firat orators in Ame- rica." * With acute and devout intei'CHt, he followed up the main points at issue between the Bible and extreme oxpo- ^nents of modern science. Many of the best authorities upon these subjects were constantly at hand for repeated perusal. A volume from bis library, now before me, of considerable value as an exact and exhaustive discus- sion, in margin and underline, bears evidence of pains- taking investigation and of clear mastery of complex and controverted questions. In one of his later publio addresses, at a large meeting, held in Erksine Church, Monti*eal, the audi- ence including a number of young men, he expatiated eloquently 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 oreed a Trinity, composed of humanity, earth, and the heavens. Was this his God ? Could he pray to the sky above him, the earth beneath him, or to humanity ? What oould poor humanity do, even in its most elevated, learned form to aid him ? Young men would have to rigidly guard themselves against * Courier, 1858. t ! ESTEEM FOR THE WORD OP QOD. 95 he or Bi in these revolting forms of infidelity. In this connection it afforded the speaker much pleasure to see the able manner in which Dr. Dawson had dissected the Darwin theory, and shown the falsity of such reasoning — by clear and unanswerable argument. They could rest assured that wherever science contradicted the Bible it would be proved to be in the wrong ; that wherever a scientific statement has been discovered to be perfectly true, it always coincided with the Biblical record. There was a remarkable illustration of this in the deciphering of a number of cuneiform inscriptions in the Enst, where, in •very instance in which they illustrated Olti Testament histor}', 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 history with the same impartiality and candor with which they penned that of others. They covered up no one's sins and shortcomings, not oven those of their own brethren, and he loved the Book the more he pondered on the honest, straightforward deal- ing of those writers of old." • A few years ago, when Predoricton was still a gar- rison city, military gentlemen and their families con- stituted an important and inflnential element of social life. The Government of the Province was, for a time, administered by the General in command of the troops. At a dinner partj', largely attended, some question of religious or biblical character was incidently mooted. An oflScer of high position in the army, and of consider- able dash and celerity in conversation, frankly avowed * Record of first Conference of Dominion Evangelical Alli- aoee. 96 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. }'■ blB BOepticism. The accuracy of sacred historic fact was impugned. In the sweep of scientific discovery and the march of modern thought, like the Talmud, the Yedas, and the Koran, it would be left behind. It be- longed to a former age, and was merely one of the many great 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. Hecently he had road, almost devoured, the " Old Red Sandstone" and other works of Hugh Miller. In reference to the question, 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 thrashing floor, the objections were speedily scattered to the wind and the claims of God's word tri- umphantly vindicated. Never did his countenance light up with a finer glow than when avowing his attachment to the book of revealei truth. With reverential feeling, and unutterable gladness, putting his hand softly upon the sacred volume, could he say — ** Precious treasure, thou art mine." It was mainly, however, becifUse of its experimental influence and moral and spiritual power that the word of God was deeply reverenced and affectionately peru- sed. It had pervaded, purified and enobled the experi- ences and lives of men and women all througn the ages. In Hon. L. A. Wilmot's own public life there had been ample opportunity of testing its experimental worth. From the nature of things, without producing on the side of the dominent party virulence and vituperation B8TSI11 FOB TBI WORD OF QOD. 91 leru- jori- [ges. )een (rth. jtho Ition of Bpeech that might bo construed as personal insult, in a period of bitter political contest, as leader of party, he eould not maintain position, expose and denounce acts of inju8tice and maladministration, and pour forth lava like streams of severe and scathing sarcasm. The or- deal came in due time; and, for his religious character, constituted a crucial test. To some such incident of party conflct, in later life, he has been known to refer with much feeling. There had been an attempt, by moans of defamation and slanderous absertion, to weaken his great and growing influence in the country. There was no bar-sinister on his escutcheon. But be 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 persona inveQtive. With all rnililant qualities he was abun- dantly endowed. But for the restraint of christian principle, and the dictates of supreme law, for insult and injury, the first impetous prompting of passion might have been to demand the satisfaction which a BOW happily obselete code of honor prcsciib^d. In such a mood and moment came the wonted hour of family worship: that ordinarily brought with it an atmos- phere of peace, pure feeling and of tranquil thought. A juncture had been reached in which there was need, if ever, to take heed to the way according to Gad's word and to ponder that pure command«riont which enlight- ened the eyes. Irritated and exasperated, with a deep thunder-frown upon his brow, hut still battling bravely with his own spirit, for the moment, he turned away from the Book and the altar of demotion. But there was by his side one gifted with qualities of mind and I*- n r 98 HON. JUDOE WILkbT. temper, most needed as the complement of bis own, wh« comprehended the magnitude of the crisis. It was of the utmost consequence, before plunging afresh into the exeitoment of debate and possibly of renewed aggrava- tion, that conscience and calm judgment should assort their supremacy. With the Bible, he was followed from the room ; and, by the higiiest and most sacred of all coDBiderations, was entreated to seek counsel where it had never failed. Yielding to the pressure, which could not well be resisted, the Book was opened ; and, inci- dentally, his eye rested upon a passage in Job. Four thousand years ago the Patriarch of Uz had pasfied through a like ordeal; and the ancient, unehangable promise was still as a direct message from G^d : — ^^ And thine age shall be clearer than thenocnday; thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt he as the morning ; yea thou shalt dig about thee and thuu 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" The victory was eomplete. From the land of Uz, for his comfort, the message of God had been sounding along the corridors of ages. Suggestions of inspired re- cord wove themselves into petition, and help for the hour of need was earnestly and humbly implored. Ho was refreshed by conscious communion with God. From the discipline of sore trial came self-conquost. 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 forgivonens which Christianity inculcates. " Every part of that passage," said Julge Wilmot, in after years, " has had a literal accomplishment." In Government House, which at that time he occupied, after ^»% E8T£EM FOR THl WORD OF GOD. M retirement of other gaests, and membersof his own fnoiilj, R freqaent and favored occurrence of such visits, he in- dulged in reminiscences of that period of life. With evident satisfaction he recounted incidents of that mem- orable episode -n his history. Each part of the promise, as in the life of the Arabian Patriarch, had received a minute and marvellous fulfilment. His age had been clearer than the noon day. The sun of life, then in evening declination, was sinking to the horizon in a clear and serene sky. He had dug about him ; and be. neath the ample shade and rich foliage of trees, planted by his own hand, found quiet and peaceiui repose. Many, including children of those who, for the sake of petty party advantage, had perpetrated cruel wrong, had made their suit unto him : " And all his prospects brightening: to the last, His hearen commences ere the wurid be past." According to Joseph Cook, of Boston celebrity, a Bible kept for private perusal ought to be darkened with pencil lines on every page. The mark of Judge Wilmot was put over against tried and treasured passages of the woi-d of God. A copy of the scriptures which he long used bears very evident attestation of the manner in which he was accustomed to study the sacred page. He meditated therein by day and night. There are marks to indicate successive readings of the Bible — marks against teachings through which he had been led nearer communion of God — marks over against familiar passages which in a memorable moment had become luminous with heavenly light — marks to indi- cate practical truths which had been as a light to his feet an'i a lamp to his path, and in the keeping of which there had been great reward — marks to signalize inspi- 100 HON. JUDGl WILMOT. n red woi*d8 which had boon interwoven with the most eventful incidents of his history — marks of tender and loving messages breathing the spirit of infinite t,3nder- ness and richly fraught with consolation — marks of precepts unto which in his way he had taken heed, and by which his lile had been purified — marks of bright and radiant promises which, on the dark and murky night, had euddeniy gleamed out as stars of hope — mf.rks over against the the twenty-third psalm in which many an experience of life found its most fitting expres- sion — marks to emphasise the meaning of the ninety- fii*st psalm which, before starting upon a journey, he was accustomed to read at the family altar — marks through the law and the Gospels, the Old Testament and the now, where texts and teachings wore consecra- ted by tender associations and hallowed memories. In the most emphatic sense ho could say : '* When q'liet in my house I sit, Thy book be my eonipanion still ; My joy thy sHyinjfs to repeat, Trtlk o'er the reeortla of tliy will, And searcl) the oracles divine, Till every heartfelt wurd be mine." 1.— CHURCH ERECTION. " To the onterprite he gare his time, his means, and his heart."— Zto»'« Herald. Fow members of the Methodist portion of the com- munity, in the lower Provinces, can have visited the city of Fodoricton, where n beautiful and nobly propor- tioned church with lofty spire looks down upon the broad and swoooping river, and the adjacent country for miles diHtant, without something of admiration and perhaps a tingo of denominational 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, orectod for Methodist worship by the munificence of Alexander Gibson, Enq. Involuntarily, when gazing upon that scene, we exclaim : " These temples of His grace How beautiful they stand I The honors of our native place And bulwarks of our land." It is now with interest remembered, upon nearing that city, almost a quarter of a century ago, then just arrived from England, curious in regard to all facts and phases of colonial life, gleaming and glistening in the light of the setting sun, apparently in the distance standing out into the depths of vaulted azure, how the lofty spire of that churCh became an object of promin- ent and thrilling interest. As in the case of another sanctuary, it was " beautiful for situation." That Fiedericton Church has a record, worth kBOwing about, and a history into which many a thread "r 102 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. of Judge Wilmot's time and thought and means and life wore woven. Into the old Methodist chapel, as then usual Ij' designated, were gathered a noble band of men and women, and as splendid a group of families as any Qommunity could shew. The church at time was deemed comfortable and sufficiently capacious. In a special effort, comprising many munificent contributions, a heav}'' debt, the in- cumbrance of years, was liquidated. Scarcely had this long and devoutly wished for consummation been ac- complished when there came the sweep and desolation of a great conflagration. The place of worship, of which strenous efforts to save were unavailing, a large part of the city, and most of the hom» and business es- tablishments of families forming part of that congrega- tion, were destroyed. Stunned and bewildered with their own losses, their habitations smouldering in ruins, there were many that grieved not less sorely for the holy and beautiful house which had been burned with fire. The disruption and. dislocation produt-ed by such 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 complication of difficulties thicken- ing around them, there was an almost utter paralysis; and, for church enterprise, 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 thej'' meet the emergency with any hope of success. But Judge Wilmot, whose own available means were freely pledged to the object, proposed that at once they should arise and build : " Brethi'en," ho said, as they met in con- CHURCH KRECTION. 103 arise con- sultation, " let us Btart 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 School, consolidate their work; and, as became a metropolitan structure, constitute an orna- ment and attraction to the city. The overmastering impulse and indomitable energy, with which objections and obstacles were encountered and surmounted, fully prevailed. Trustees and others caught the contagion, and moved with the inspiration, of his courage and hope. From the acceptance of plans and the laying of the foundation stone, through all stages of the work, until the scaffolding had been removed, he watched its progress. *' The labor ot his own hand," says a pub- lic correspondent, cognizant of all the facts, and probab- ly a contributor to the enterprise, "on the church edifice hastened the too tardy efforts of mechanics." By not a few, however, that superb ecclesiastical erection was keenly criticised. The propriety of mag- nificent entejrprise and of a noble faith, that prompted and sustained the builders, were questioned. It was beyond the means of the worshippers. There was ex- cessive ornament that involved serious expenditure. The spire was too ambitious. There were "Storied windows richly digfht Catting a dim religious light." Some of the most estimable members delighted to recall blessed services, rich and hallowed manifestations of spiritual power, marvelloun conversions, rapturous fel- lowship with which their earlier history had been favored. A plain building, withont architectural pre- tensions, it was thought. by some, would have been more m "I T 104 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. congenial to the simple tastes of a people nurtured without anything of material nplendor in the surround- ings of their worship. Until about that time the Me- thodist churoheB 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 worship- ping 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, con- formed to the old outlines of idea, it would have been at once antiquated. The golden opportunity for improve- ment would have passed beyond their reach. Fortuna- tely Judgo Wilmot had caught the sjiirit of modern church architecture and prevailed in plan and purpose. Many churches of the same class, in the Eastern Pro- vinces, have since then been built or rebuilt; but still, in noble and commandini^ design and proportion, it maintains a prominence. May it lotig remain the spiri- tual home of a prosperous and united people, and a monument of lioeralty and entcrj)nse ! In the bright, buoyant strain, of Gorman Lyrist, ever may they have to say : •* 0, only see, how sweetly there, Our lovely churcli is gleaming! The gohU'ti evviiinjr sunshine f.iir On spire and rocf is streaming." There is a matter of delicacy which at this point and in this connection must be noticed. It was some- times thought, for certain contiexional objects, con- sidering high character and the deep interest other- Wise manifested, that contribuliont* v.eic not up to the measure of liberality exhibited in some central ■»') CHURCH ERECTION. 105 it iri- cht, ivo lint h\e- lon- ler- to charges. Bat it mast be borne in mind that Judge Wilmot was not wealthy. Official salary was not more than sufficed for the demands of an exalted poRition. To the utmost limit of prudence his surplus means were disbursed for public benefactions and for schemes of church and christian enterprise. " Besides many acts of beneficence," writes a friend from Fredei'icton, — for many years asisociated with him in the nacred intimacies and earnest activities of chris- tian lellowship and of ciiurch work — " and generous contributions of which you are fully aware, he gave largely to various interests of the Cliurch and Sunday School. To him we arc also mainl}- indebted for the Eural Coinetry — a beautiful burial place of the dead. A few months previous to his deatli, for generous gifts, he received the cordial thanks of the officials constitu- ting the Trust Board." * In one of my earliest conversations, having refer- ence to church debt, then a terrible incubus, threatening denominational disaster, there was the expression of pur- pose: that all large subscriptions should be pledged for the liquidation of that liability. The proposal was at one time discussed, if no other mode of relief could be devised, to sell his property, reduce expenditure, and as far as possible meet the emergency. But other schemes^ reflecting highest credit upon the enterprise and liber- * At an official meeting, June 1 1th, 1877, with special refer- ence to the Fredericton Rural Cemetery, in consideration of munificent contribution and of personal oversight, it was " Resolved, That the thanks of this Board are due and are hereby presented, to his Honor Judge Wilmot, for long and faithful service in connection with this trus t, for christian zeal in all matters connected with the Methodist Church, and more especially for liberal gijfts and efforts towards procuring a desirable and beautiful resting-place of the dead — which owes much of iti present appearance to his Honor's t&ite." 106 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. :n4 ality of the community mainly interested, in which a number of younger menibers took prominent part, were successfully inaugurated. Evelyn Grove, by which strangers were attracted, was thrown open ; and, in that way, thousands of dollars were realized for the Trust Treasury. The necessi ty for the grea ier act of self-sacri- fice never came. But the thought was n his heart. From years of close intimacy, and acquaintance with many facts, the impression has been produced that a more gen- erous heart never thiobbed In colonial breast than that which sent its pure pulsations through the veins of Lemuel Allan Wilmot. Ill !i XL— CHOTE-SERVICE AND PUBLIC PRAISE. " Church-music should servo no other object than the praise of God and the elevation of the people. Every other object is unbecoming, undignified, unworthy both of the house uf God and art." — Southern Advocate. A depai'tment of church-work to whi<3h Judge Wilmot gave much of time and thought, uud for which he was pre-eminently qualified, was that of the choir and service of sacred song. With faultless taste, en- riched by culture of musical science, and an oar exquisi- tely sensitive and susceptible to all the finer combina- tions and delicacies of sound and cadence, he found consummate enjoyment in church music. Cai)able of artistic execution, competent to use various instrutnenfs of lute and string and sounding brass — as leader ofthTJ choir — for the efficient discharge of difficult and delicate duties, he was richly endowed and splendidly equipped. It may be doubted whether even the culture of flowers afforded gratification equal to that of elevated music and lofty praise. Thrilled to ecstatic rapture, by mighty themes and matchless harmonies, with John Milton he could say : " There let the pealing organ blow, To the full- voiced cluir below, In service light and anthem clear : As may with sweetness, through mine car, Dissolve me into ecsiasies And bring all heaven before my eyes." In the city of Fredericton, some years ago, there existed superior facilities for musical culture. An or- ganization was formed, into which L. A. Wilmot entered with the utmost enthusiasm, for rendering the Hallelujah '^ 108 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. cliorus aud portions, if not the whole, of Handel's mag- nificent MesHiah: There were also belections from Mendelssohn and other grand oratorios. The valuable experience and elaborate preparation for isueh perform- ance, in the drill and discipline of his own choir, were sabsequently utilized to great advantage. There were developed a taste and capacity for a higher and richer style and order of church and congregational music and song than previously had been attempted or cultivated. Vivid and very refreshing are the memories of worship when that choir, comprising some sweet and superb voices, was at its best. The sacred lyrics of Charles Wesley, " the sweetest of all the sweet singers in our spiritual Israel," and other elevated compositions of the Hymn Book, were sung into heightened interest and power. Even the most familiar tunes, on which many changes have been rung, such as Coronation, Arlington, Rockingham, Rousseau's Dream, Frerich and Derb}' — the watchnight tune — have been invested with cherished and delightful associations of sanctuaiy worship : ♦• Perhaps Dundee's wild warbling measures rise ; Or plaintive Martyr's, worthy of the nHuic; Or nokle El);in berti* the heavenward flame : The sweetent far of Scotia's holy lays ; Compared with these Italian trills are tame : No unison have they with our Creator's praise." There were also chants and anthems, such as Watchman on the Walls, the Lamb Slain, and Behold what Manner of Love, that are now amongst rich depo- sits of memory's most treasured possessions. What singing I Wiiat a grand inspiration of song! The organ, the choir, and the congregation blending into soul-stirring harmony. There was not, pei'haps, the linked sweetness, the delicate cadence, the artistic CHOIR-SERVICE AND PUBLIC PRAISE. 109 ! no rendei'ing of professional performers — not the elaborated niceties and intricacies of effort sometimes furnished by a quartette choir — but there was worship. Faultless music, rendered in such a way as could not but charm and satisfy the most cultured taste and the most fasti- dious ear, there was; but there was also the full chorus of congregational song — the thrill, and life, and power, and holy joy of praise to God. It was more than sing* ing. It was worship — congregational worship. If churches only understood the glorious pwssibilitios of congi'cgatif'nal song, they would never allow it to die out.* " Passionately fond of music," said a writer of a graphic sketch of Governor Wilmot in " Zion's Herald" of Boston, "able to perform on almost any instrument, with a quick ear and an excellent voice, a highly culti- vated taste, the nicest power of adapting a tune to a hymn and an anthem to the occasion, and with great command over all performers, he has rare qualificationB for this important service. And he is not one of your fastidious choristers that can only sing in state and with the artistic. He sirgs every where, " where two or three are gathered" and with the children. From the chorus richly rendered before the large congregation, he comes easily to " I want to beai. angol" amongst the little ones of the Infant class. The present generation of singers has grown uj) under his influence and training." In church music and song he never wearied. There were all the force and fire of ardent and consuming pas- sion; and to the last, they continued to burn and glow with undiminished intensity and power. * " Congregational Singing" — in C. M. Magazine. no HON. JUDGE ^ILMOT. Uymns of sevens and 8ixe8, 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 trochaic measure to which, for spefrial themes of a penitential character, Charles Wesley seems to have given decided preference; and tlioy usiinlly contain, in each stanza, an eight syllable line. lIcMK'O there is some difficulty, in current music in obtaining sufficient and satisfactoiy variety of tunes foi* that class of hymns. In this fact will be found ex- planation of a passage dated at Goveri.ment House. "1 have been looking up, he wrote from the confine- ment of a sick room, "and copying out for the choir Bomo choice tunes for sevens and six hymns. Rev. Mr. Currie is very partial fo that metre, and we are rather deSciont in variety; but with this accession wo shall be rciidy for him. I think it as much the duty of the con- ^ejation to furnish good music, for Sabbath worship and praise, a-» it is for the minister to prepare and pi'each good sermons ;" and, while I can look after it, shall do what I can i'ov that department of church service." In the discussion of the Hymn and Tune Book question at the Toronto General Conference there was a point of Judge Wilmot's speech which very distinctly shewed his musical taste and tendency. In illustra- tion of the power and pathos of music and song, he referred to an incident of missionary encounter with ar- bitrary and powerful chieftains. As an intimation tlmt this teacher could not proceed, except at the peril of his life, their spears were crossed upon his path. Compre- Lcnding the situation the Missionary tuned his violin and produced harmonies of sound that moved and thrilled their savage bouIs. Ferocity was subdued ; aruJ, melted 0B0IR-8ERVI01 AND PUBLIC PRAISE. Ill into tenderness and gentleness, 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 pantomine, with ease and attitude and consummate grace of gesture, he wont through the process — tuned the instiument, touched each vibrating chord, and drew a stroke that an ama- teur at once recognized as the pla}'' of an old practitioner. Then came the application of the incident and not few, moved at first to laughter, found a tear wetting the cheek. A favorite idea of Judge Wilmot, on which he loved to linger, was that the Incarnation song of the angelic choristers — "Glory to God in the highe^st — was only the prelude of an eternal anthem-strain'' : Sweeping through space, it filled the universe; and, before the throne of God, rolled up into mii^nifieent chorus.* "And Oh," he would enthusiastically exclaim, " if only the music of that heavenly song had been dotted ilown, we might of had some idea of iseraphic melody!" At musical practice he ofien made reference to the song and service of heaven and longingly said : " O may I hear some humble part in that immortal song — if noth- ing more that I may be permitted to hold the music for David's harp" I "But," Ka\d one of the singers, in re- ference to his passionate love for training voices and leading in sacred song, that was pei'foctly understood, ♦ ** Does not Scripture bear him out ? Does it not ring with music ? Does it not tell us how at the creation ".the morn- ing stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy " ? And as the Bible begins with the song of the morning stars over man created and ends with the sevenfold chorus of hallelujahs and harping symphonies over man redeemed,^ so its central moment, uniting both, is that carol of angels at the Saviour's birth." — Canon Fariar, 112 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. " Judge Wilraot would that satisfy you ?" " Would you not liko to lead the wlwle choir V " Well yes," he re- plied, with amuHed interest and pleasant smile, pany, without a winning smile and a magnetic word of kindness-, it was not easy tor 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, beautiful and unsophisticated sympathies of the little ones j and to control, touch " those chords so fine" — •• An'! tune their hearts too high For auglit beneath the sky." THE SUNDAY 8CU00L. 121. Did not the feature of character, thus ibdit'a ted, .more than eoiDtillationti of genius, splendid corrBUcatioDi^ iof.t«pee(;b, and brilUant.8ucco8804 of life, constitute h\» real greatness and claim to special tribute ? Eocontlyy in the " London Standard," was an incident of profound aud thrilling interest:— There. was a review of the Austrian cavalry before the emperor and empress. Just as a squadron of bursars swept out from the main body of thirty thousand horsemen, a little girl, not above four years 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 w^as close at hand. The death of' the child seemed inevitable. A thrill of horror passed", over the powerless spectators. The empiess, who was a full observer of the scene from her carringo, uttered a^ cry of horror at the sight of that little one just to be trampled to death by a thousand hoofs. At the instant- that the squadron reached the child a brave hussar swung himself down from the saddle, along the side of his horse's neck, and catching the child as he swept on lifted it with himself safely into his swddle without slackening his speed or breaking the alignment. The child was saved. Ten thousand voices i-aised a shout of joy. The empress and the mother burst into tears of grateful relief. And the emperor, summoning to hi» presence the noble soldier, took from his own bivast the richly enameled cross of the order of Maria Theresa, aod itung it about the nock of the brave < nssar. To that Austrian hero, for that intrepid act,. the < rescue of a child ^rom a great and immediate peril, we jgladly and cheerfiullj'^ accord the very highest i^ecog- nition. The boundless applause of spectators, imperial 122 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. I Eill U [i approbation and award, jewelled cross, and decoration of an illustrious Order were all well and worthily bestowed. Through that noble deed, a little girl had been snatched fror- the jaws of death. But are there no wreaths being v/oven for those who, spurning selfish ease, are ever on the alert to save children, with all their imfnortal destiyiies, from sin and vice and igno- rance, and other perils — more to be dreaded than the trampling hoof of Austrian cavalry ? Shall not recog- nition of grandeur and of a greatness due to highest and holiest heroism also be accorded to men and women who, unselfishly and in the spirit of supreme devotion to duty, minister to the least of the little ones ? When famed and lauded distinctions of earth are forgotten, . the chaplets of the warrior withered, the gold of the millionaire cankered, storied urn and sculptured marble and glittering mausoleum wasted to dust and ruin, then .shall service for Christ and self-denying toil for the welfare of souls obtain full and final recompense: " Thy feet shall stand on jasper floors ; Thy heart shall seem a thousand hearts, Each heart with million raptures filled : Thou shalt sit with princes and with kings." The department of the school, to Judge Wilmot of special and unfaiiing 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 Superinten- dent never failed to visit and the beaming counten- ances of bright children told of the genuine delight with which they listened to even his most common- place remarks. To this class we may accompany him on the last Sabbath of his life : " Now children,'* he said on thatjoccasion, '' your old Superintendent will THE SUNDAY SCHOOL. 123 rht 7i\\ 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 just wait and watch at the gates of gold and if I ehould miss any, I will say where's Johnnie and where's Mary and Maudio : surely they have not strayed away. Some of our children have left us, and they are with the angels now. Then I like to think that they grow through the eternal years. Children will not al- ways remain children in heaven. Their minds and forms will develop there as well as here." At this mo- ment there was a trace of disappointment in the teach- er's face,* for the shadow of a sore bereavement had fallen upon her life, and there had been the cherished hope of meeting the little one unchanged in form : " Ah ! well," he said, " you will be fully satisfied." The deep and tender solicitude of the Judge, as Superintendent of the Sunday School, for the passing and future welfare of the young people committed to his special charge, to whatever circle of society they might belong, was not bounded by the period of their connection with that institution. In appropriate part- ing gift and fervent benediction, it found fitting expres- sion ; and to distant scenes, amidst the activities and responsibilities of later life, it still accompanied them. In reference to the Bible, a parting wedding-gift to the Princess Boyal of England, a good specimen of Gov- ernor Wilmot's splendid rhetoric, there is a beautiful passage — that may win permanent place in standard literature : " There were gathered in profusion costly pearls and diamonds, brilliant dazzling ornaments, precious * Mrs. Wm. Lemont. 1 i kMi .'BON.i JUDGK 'WILQODT. I ;1 r * i ! Il : iiiil' n. t^ . "giftB from loving 'friends. One would think that art had exhaustedi ita flkill in producing ithosa . wondrous •k'idal gifts; and one is l«d to think how they will adv8abbath School. * Royal Reader, No. VI, pag« 384 r .iNclsoav'andSoas, Lon- don and Edinburgh. THE SUNDAY SCHOOL. 125 -leaf t, to holy )|)eat- }itely Ivious irtor that Lon» Conscientious discharge of responsible duty found abundant compensation. Suffering from excruciating neuralgia, a few months before his death, starting up from the sofa, at the appointed timcj 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 satisfaotioh andacoom*" panying blessing, my comfort is rich and abiding." From the Sunday School, under his management, into the memborsbip of the church, there passed a continuous stream : and, from the same place, there were rich and constant accessions to the gathered ones before the throne. From young people widely scattered, often at the time of their reception to Church-communion, com-, munications were received expressive of gratitude for the interest and affection of former years. These were results worth more to him than thousands of gold and silver. In bringing to a close this brief and imperfect sketch, of Hon. L. A. Wilmot's distinguished and emin- ently successful career in the Snnday School, it only remains to express the earnest hope and prayer that the spirit of this now sainted and honored servant of God may yet again stand forth in the ranks of our christian young men; and that, as spartan mother handed to her soldier-son the untarnished shield of his heroic sire and bravely charged him to " bring it back or bo brought back upon it," the sacred trust — bequeath- ed to U8^— may be gladly accepted and honorably maintainoid : * ' Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a crowd of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unta Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.'' ■I'l . I I i I li; 't ». XIII.— SUNSET. * " I go to my everlasting rest. My sun has risen, shone, and is letting — nay, it is about to rise and shine for ever. I have not lived ^in vain." — Whitfield. The activities of Judge Wilmot's life were con- tinued to the last ; but for a considerable period, pre- vious to his sudden departure, they were considerably chastened and restrained by painful and threatening symptoms. From neuralgia, in its severest form, he repeatedly and intensely suffered ; but, in keenest dis- tress, found alleviation and potent comfort. When almost quivering with nerve-pain, scalding tears forced from his eyes, with a sweet smile, he would often say : "There shall be no more pain; and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." "For the last few months of his life," writes an esteemed correspondent, " his whole couverse was of heaven. Talk as you would, on other subjects, he came back to the same theme. He loved to quote the pas- sage : * Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.' The last con- versation was upon the same subject : the glorious hope of heaven. The rapture with which he referred to the bright home beyond, even then, brought a dread and fear, of which we spoke when he had left, that the time of departure was at hand, and that we must lose him * The Seal ot Rev. Robert Murray McCheyne, used in all eorrespondence, for suggestive device, had the setting sun and, for accompanying motto, a solemn monition : The night cometh. SUNSET. 127 )e id iQ 111 soon. Through all that visit there was on his face a most heavenly expression ; and the l^st words, on leav- ing, were: There is nothing true but heaven.'' My own correspondence with Judge Wilmot, with more or less ot frequency, was extended over a period of twenty years, and was counted a valued and honored privilege of life. The last communication, received a little while before his death, contains passages graphi- cally and glowingly descriptive of the magnificence and brightness — the light and purity, the beatific vision, the splendor of jewelled masonry, jasper pavement, and crowns of amaranth and gold — of the everlasting city of God. It closes with the familiar lines : '' We 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." 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 mingled with, an almost etherial strain. " Yes," he would say. when, on the grounds or at rehearsal, admiration had been expressed for floral beauty, fragrance, or melody, in musing un- dertone, or lighting up with sudden flash of thought, " flowers are beautiful, music has raptures, earth has its joys ; but what must it be to be there." To him, in thought and feeling, heaven was not far away. To faith's aspiring eye its golden gates appear- ed. In converse and countenance there was that efflor- escence of rapt and holy anticipation which affords 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 near- nebs to the spirit-land. Between the christian and 128 HON. JUDOI WILMOT. a: heaven there is only a veil, "A veil is the thinnest and frailest of all conceivable paftitions. It is bat a flhe tissue, a delicate fabric of embroidery. It waves in the wind ; the touch of a child may stir it, and accident may rend it; the silent action of time will moulder it away. The veil that conceals hcavon is only our embodied ex istance ; and, though fearfully and wonderfully made, it is only wrought out of our fVail mortality. So slight is it that the puncture of a thorn, the touch of an in- sect's wing, the bi'eath of an infected atmosphere, may make it shake and fall. In a bound, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, in the throb of a pulse, in the flash of u thought, wo may start into disembodied spirits, glide unabashed into the company of great and mighty ungcis, pass into the light and amazement of eternity, know the great secret, gaze upon splendors which flesh and blood could not sustain, and which no woi-ds lawful for man to utter could describe ! " • Sud- denly as we now remember came the closing earthly scene. A slight concussion, a ruptured valve, a severed tie or tissue, a bi'oken thread, and then the lifted veil, the ministry of angels, the home of the many mansions, the noon-tide splendor and consummated tulness and blessedness of beatific vision and of everlasting day. The latest Sabbath of his life, on earth, was spent in the usual routine of duty. That sacred day, — its sanctuary services, hymns of praise, litanies of supplica- tion, glad-tidings of saUation, communion of saints, means of grace — always brought renewed gladness and hallowed anticipation. " One thing have I desired," he could Hay in fervent appropriation of inspired utterance, * G. Stanford : Foster. BUNSIT. 12» " that will I Boek after, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty, of the Loixl and to inquire in His temple." Into the exorcises of the Suiiday School, he entered on that day, with all his 'wV)nted interest. The address at the close had some ti*aces and touches of the old fire, for ho was still eloquent. The subject was announced for the following Sabbath, and the hope expressed that there would be careful preparation. In his accustomed place in the choir, on that Sab- bath, with unabated fervor, he led the congregational service of song; and 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, out at the Grove, for the following Tuesday evening ; and with all wonted enthusiasm, re- vealing 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. Wilmot, ho 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 and the ^silver cord loosened. With scarcely an articulation ho passed away. His departure was translation rather than death. The sun ef his life set in a clear and serene sky to rise in the sacred, noontide brightness of unclouded, •everlasting day and there shall be no night there. In de- 130 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. parture from earth, he passed through the "gates of the- morning," and slightly changing the thought, life at its close '* Set as »ets the morning star, which goes Not down behind the darkened west, But melts away into the light of heaven. Bapidly the tidings of his death passed through the city; and the stern fact, which for a moment it seemed impossible to realize, speedily threw the shadow of a deep bereavement over every homo. Swift and sudden that departure seemed to others ; but, to himself, the event liad been one of calm and confident anticipation. There were tokens that he was nearing the home of the many mansions and very rapturous were the visions of faith. He had nothing to do at the last but to step into the chariot and " sweep through the gates." In a beautiful cemetry, in the suburbs of Frederic- ton, bounded on one side by the majestic river St. John — fringed and bordered by a rich, almost tropical, cul- ture — surrounded, in adjacent park ar.d slope, with grand and graceful trees — a great concourse of people- were gathered in the spring of 1878. From the stately church tower, which — with heaven-piercing spire, bathed in cloudless radiance, gleaming like a pillar of light — crownstheloveliestof eastern cities, in slow and solemn tone, the bell tolled out a funeral requiem. They were met, those mourning ones, to commit to the dust the mortal remains of him who, for long years, had been closely identifiea with every prominent movement of the coEimunity. Even that quiet resting-place of the dead, in which he had planned and directed to the last, and which now looks tranquil and exquisitely attractive^ was a memorial of his taste and enterprise : "With silent step and thoughful brow All of the human, left us now, They carry to that peaceful grave." SUNSET. 131 But Mors Janua Vitce, " death, is the gate of life;" and that sepulchre is the pathway to immortality. Beyond the gloom of the grave there is a life which never dies ; and, in sure and certain hope of glorious re- surrection, earth is committed to earth, dust to dust, and ashes to ashes. 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 il- lustrious and revered Colonist, as was most meet, was rendered to the mould hard by the city where his active and beneficent life had been spent. And grudge not, to others, the trophied tomb, or storied urn, for to him was paid, on that day, a rare, touching, and beautiful tribute. A procession of some hundreds of young peo- ple, members of the Sunday School, moved silently past the grave, and, as a last token of affection, each one dropped a flower, dewy with tears, upon the coffined dead. There was a deep pathos in that closing scene. Each heart palpitated as with a sense of personal be- reavement ; and there was a low murmuring in the air — " as the sob of an infant pierced with pain." That expression of tearful, lieartfelt homage, more costly than glittering mausoleum, or the gold of a millionaire, was such as few magnates of earth, though honored with greater parade of funeral obsequies, could have commanded. And the conspicuous merits, to which that unique and beautiful recognition wa: accorded, will, for a long time to come, constitute a treasured and influential memory. It was a rare honor to, and a noble memorial of, their comrade. La Tour d'Auvergne, the first grenadier isa^^ HON. JUDOS t^ILMOT. i: of * ^BtiActy as : he was calkd, foMmost ^ i n > a land • of chitalrfms (deed, when ^ s afl^r his deatbi his former com^> • padhnis' in arms insisted that though' dead his nametM' ■should not ho removed from their record ; and regidarly^v at tho regimental -roUfoall', it was answered by one of the survivors. There was still an inspiration in the '' greatness of his life and the thought of unsullied and heroic deed ; and his name of renown they would not willingly let die. Judge Wilmot has finished his early course. He was ever foremost in the ranks. He died at his post. But his name cannot yet be erased from the roll of the sacramental host. His life brightened and ennobled by high and honorable sei*- vicej will be perpetuated in potent and enduring in- fluence ; and by it he being dead yet speaketh. In fitting memorial, of an illustrious superintendent, a portrait by a competent arUst to which members of the Sunday School contributed, hangs in the basement of the church ; and if not, like the warrior of Breton birth, who fell upon another field, named at the regular roll- call, from that speaking canvass, with benignant ex- pression, he looks down upon the assembled school and almost yet seems to mingle with the scene of earnest and active christian work : ' Nothing can deprive him Of the force he made his own. Being here and we believe him Something far advanced in state, And that ho bears a truer crown • Than any wreath that we can weavo him." Over that grave, on monumental erection — prom- inent amongst memorials of sculptured granite, and .polished marble — in that burial place of the river plain : SCNSIT, 13a i^f^^T' V'^P'*' *•"* ""SK^ti'o and aigniflcant, insonption ha« been chieelled. It conUioe only name THE HONORABLE LEMUEL A. WILMOT, d. c. l. Born Slat January, 1809. Died 20th May, 1878. ^-•«««sjm|»»«m-v- EKRATA ERRATA. As prcof-eVi^ets of the previous pages have passed onder review, in consequence of distance Arom place of publication and difficultly of repeate'' revision up to the point of perfect accu* racy, aevevjii trpograjj>hijai errors have unfortunately been over- looked : Page 39, twentieth H.ie, for *'sure" read sore ; page 50, first line after motto, for "January 1657". read January 1851; page 55, eleventh line, for *' strains" read,strain; page 71, ninth line, for "likes a discipline" read. life a discipline; page 81, ninth line, for " dawn " read down. In a few cases, also, wrong letters have escaped correction : British on 34th page — dispensation on 62nd page — confidence and complaisance on 65th page — biennial on 72nd page — cuneiform' on 93rd page — Superintendency on 115 page. On page 119, the twenty-third line, following reference to Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain as a Sunday School teacher, in whicii there has been unfortunate omission of a clause, noticed too late for correction, read — first, as insignia of Office, was hon- ored with Custody of the Great Seal.