D1TQlt,25&/ iiuiullluHniii No i:h. THE lMlMfl!(yitM)SPIIl MEMCBRS OF I'ROFKSSOU IN T1IK URIVEI16TTY OF YIKCIMA- LT. COL,, OF FIRST REW't., VA. AKT1 LLDMft ' BY J. L. BURROWS, D. Ti Mi* THE CHRISTIAN SCHOLAR AND SOLDIER. BY J. L. BURROWS, D. D. In the history of the Church are to be found recorded in each generation, the names of a few disciples of Jesus, who have manifestly and practically subordinated all earthly in- terests to the higher claims of piety- Not in indefinite theo- ry, which all accept, but by spirit and life, they have revealed to the world, that they were seeking " first the kingdom of God and His righteousness." They have 4 * let their light so shine before men, that the world has seen their good works and glorified the. Father in Heaven/' While "diligent in busi- ness; they have been fervent in spirit, f-erving the Lord." Thi3 class of Christians — always, alas! too lew in number — may prosecute wiih dilligence and earnestness, their honest, secular business, perform promptly and faithfully every world- ly duty, but they evince so that it becomes recognized by all farailar with them, that the spirit of consecration to Christ Jesus, overrides oil other interests. They are "always ready to every good work " Industrious as artizans, earnest as Christians; effective aa merchants, (devout as disciples of Jesus; thorough and enthu- siastic as students of worldly lore, most learned in the word ' ot God; brave and enduring as soldiers fighting for homes and liberties, bolder and firmer as soldiers marshalled under the banner of Christ Jesus. Such in humble life was John Pounds, the crippled cobbler of Portsmouth, England} who made his shop six feet by eigh- teen, a school-room, and hired wi b roast potatoes il the lit* "tie blackguards," 1 as ho called them, of the docks and a°^ to co,tue to him -and ait v jy his stall while he worked, an-t tau gin bow to road, write, and cypher 5 thus gratuitously establishing the first * ragged school. 1 * 1 Such. was HarUr. Page, a carpenter, who respectfully an tenderly, either id personal conversation or by letter, afiuies?^ mewha*t akin to a sister's in its tenderness, yet manly. in its tendencies to honor, tru'bfulness :ind self-reliance ' The life and character of Lewis Minor Coleman, furnishes another illustration to the long catalogue, exhibiting the influence of a. pious mother's training. What St. Paul averred concerning'young Timothy might be appropriately said of him, "the unfeigned faith that 'is in thee dwelt first in thy grand- mother Lois, and in thy mother Eunice." He < often said thaj^whatever of gocd there was in his nature or life, he owed to his mother. She exerted a vigorous and practical, yet loving influence- in training her children* no' weakly shrink- ing'' from chastisement, prompt, fir-g and unalterable in her decisions, yet so manifestly just ana sffeetionate as to win confidence, respect .and love. T e mothers most slighted, least respeeted by ehildren when grown, are just "those who have tteen most weakly indulgent, who have restr ined and controlled their qhWdren least when they were young. A lifclde incident will illustrate both the dificipl ne of the mothe* and the marked character of the boy. The two elder l*rothers. me^h alike as to size and dress, had been set to some Tight task in dhe yard. Upon some sudden boyish quarrel, the younger struck Lewis a blow under which he fell to the ground, dhist passing the window, the mother caught a glimpse of the fray, andj-hastening towards them, found the younger prostrate upon the ground, where he had thrown himself in his excite- ment, and in order to deceive the coming mother into the be- lief that lie was the injured party, and Lewis standing in a threatening posture over him. Taking it for granted that the blow had been given by Lewis she took him by the arm, broke a switch from a convenient HI .c bush, and punished him. He simply said, " Mother, I did not strike him. ! ' Supposing she. could trust her own eyes, she whipped him again for telling a falsehood, and yet once more for persisting in it. He brought no accusation against his brother, never reproached him for the blow, norfor his silence in permitting him to receive an unjusft chastisement, and without any allusion to the circumstance, he resumed at once his ordinary pleasant intercourse Years passed' and both were grown. One day in speaking oF Lewis, thea aW»t, the mother observed, U I never kaew kitu „to tell a falsehood ererea to prevaricate, but onee> and for that I never could account." " Mother," 3aid the - brother, " that matter has troubled my conpcience for a long time. Your eyes deceived you. I struck the blow you saw given and Lewis toll the truth." " Big as you are," replied the mother, " I have a great mind to whip you for it now.'' His mother was literally and practically the early educator of her children. She directed their studies and heard their daily recitations. When at 11 or 12 years of age, Lewis grad- uated from this home school, and entered the more public school at Col. Fontaine's in Hanover county. He was pro- nounced the best prepared boy at the school. He frequently said that whatever profiiien-ey he had attained as a student, was attributable to the thorough grounding in ^primary studies, and the right habits of accurate study, imparted by his moth- er's toaching. A. passing hint is here suggested which young mothers may profitably ponder. One who was intimately associated w-hh bim in childhood, youth and manhood, at the academy and the University, his room-mate at both, and his trusted friend tii 1 death, Major Charles Morris, to whom I am indebted for ninny of these in- teresting reminiscences, says of him : *' My. earliest distinct recollection of him was as a boy of seven or ei-'htr years old. T remember him as sprightly and joyonn anil oven then, to my boyish recollection, evincing those amiable and winning traits toward his companions which eminently distinguished him through life. 1 remember .that then he was fur beyond boys of his age, (he was nearly a year younger than myself,) in in- formation, and distinctly recall a pang of envy that I felt, at seeing him open an atlas and speak familiarly of places upon ib, of which I knew nothing till years after, and of his being held up as a boy for me to emulate. I believe that this, per- haps,- was the commencement of a - friendly emulation which never ceased dming our. whole school and college life, but which never ruffled our intimacy or did ought but service to both." In 1841, young ©oleman entered Concord Academy, in Caro- line county, a school of which his distinguished uncle, Frederick W. Coleman, Afterwards for several years a prominent member of the Virginia Senate, was proprietor and principal and which was regarded as one of the most thorough and effective institutions of its class in the Southern country. It is the con- current testimony of his associates, that he was admired and loved by all his companions, and what can rarely be said ot any youth, was at the same time plainly the favorite of \he teacher, and yet the favorite of the students. Cheerful, sprightly, jocund in his intercourse with his fellows, ready and eager in all youthful sports, he was yet so manly, truthful and prudent, that he excited no enmities, and compelled respect and deference. Petulant and ill-natured criticism of officials and superiors, is a weakness of human nature, developed, not only in time of war, and by editors and grumblers, who would be men of stu- pendous intellect and influence if their wisdom only equalled their self-conceit, but it is a weakness incident, as v e know, even to student life. Indeed, it is not unlikely, could we trace out the biographies of men, that we should find that the carpers and snarlers of the press, the bar room and street corners, were the carpers and snarlers of the academy and col- lege. One of the boys at Concord Academy, irritated by some fancied grievance from the teacher, was abusing liim, roundly to a gathered group of boys, and relieving his spleen by call- ing him '* Old Fred," when glancing behind him he saw Lewis Minor gravely standing within ear shot. He immediately turned to him, with a frank apology for what he had said, assu- ring him that he meant no harm and begged him to forget it. Now a little incident of this sort shows the estimate of his character, and the regard for his feeling formed by his com- panies of whom he wa- among the youngest. It was a spon- taneous testimony of the respect which he personally inspired. In iudustry and thoroughness of preparation for recitations, he stood first in all his classes. Especially did he excel in acquiring languages. At the same tune'he pursued quite* an extensive course of general reading, which his tenacious and accurate memory so arranged among its stores, as to leave ever ready for prompt use. He did not confine his studies to the prescribed curriculum. "He proposed to me," says Maj. Morris, u and in spite of many short-comings on my part, per- sistently carried out his plan, that we shouFd lead together i our leisure hours all the plays of Sophocles, so- as to gain so mueh advantage when we should enter the University. Often since have I had cause to thank him for this wtell timed dilligence." A lad of 14, who can thus impose upon himself extra studies, . and perseveringly prosecute them while at school, will be like- ly to leave his mark upon the world. Always cheerful and sprightly, ready for any innocent sport, he still maintained an unspotted moral reputation, steadfastly resisting all allurements to youthful vices, and exhibiting a strict integrity and manly sense" of honor, evincing that even then his actions Were controlled by fixed principles, deliberate- ly formed, and from which by no temptations could he be swer- ved. A naturally quick temper he had already learned to keep under control, so that one of his classmates avers: "I never knew him to have a quarrel.'' In religious services, he was always, reverentiul and attentive, exhibiting" thus early that veneration for truths divine, which ripened into a most lovely and devout Christian character r.nd life. Of this part of his life his school fellows still speak with enthusiastic ad- miration, and there were formed friendshisp which were inter- rupted Only by death. In 181:4 when about 1 7 years old, Lewis entered the Uni- versity of Virginia. With the -tearful and prayerful messing of his mother, a's she parted from him, wringing tears trom his own eyes, he passed out to the carriage that was to bear him away. His aged Grandfather with bis old world ideas of the dissipations and frolic abandon of College life, followed him out, and hiking him by^he hand said ; u My son, don't drink too much, and be sure to pay your debte, cw let me knaw and I will pay them for you." With a cheerful smile he readily promised to duly regard the old Gentleman's warning, and as they rode away sail to his companion " Grandpa seems fo have m feai-3 concerning me which Mother has not, I, hope she knows me best." The result proved that the mothers iustinctive knowledge of the heart of her boy was truest. His room mate and class mate while at the UnivessUy, thus writes 6f jthis part of his life " He too& his usual high stand in the clashes and among the students. His reputatien as a student and scholor had preceded him, and his actual meri v ts showed uot undeservedly. Here a£am he met v$fo many oT hispid schoolmates. Ah the benu'iful traits of his boyhood were deep; ned and intensified. Keeping steadily before him the objects he had in view, through an University education he permitted none of the allurements of (-Indent life to wile him from his persevering pursuit of learning. 13is strong and inborne sense of right and honor, and the ever remembered admoni- tions ot his Mother held him aloof. from all the dissij atior.8 and vices of oollege Mfe. And yet none «r»8 more ready than he to take part in all innocent and cheerful social enjoymen's. No one was more sought out by the quiet and studious mem- bers of the Uniwwily. at their social gatherings, where his gaiety, brilliant? find wit were always theJife of the party. His progress in the Studies of the school was rapid Ana thorough, Gaining the hi^hf-eflt reputation for scholarship, le passed thr. ugh the d Wit 1 nit curriculum of the University course in two years. ' T It is understood thai, the student who after a two yeare course, applies for the degree of Master of Arts, at the Uni- versity of Virginia, will likely be subjected to a most rigorous examination, that wjll be fitted to humble his presumption if not thoroughly prepared. Triumphantly he passed through this ordeal, graduating in every school with honor and with The loving benediction of his Alma Mater, received the highest honors she bestows, before he was nineteen years old. And now in what direction will this youthful graduate urn hie first thoughts ? Elated by his successes and honors, flatu-red and caressed, by his friends, w th a brilliant future £pe .'ng before him, will be deem life's, work accomplished. thr<"w off the re- straints of modesty and integrity and become ^roud, wilful, ?e.lf- reliant and reckless, Let us see. Returning to Chamily, H w$& observed that ke seemed serious and depressed. So puffmnl a contrast did *his mood present to his uniform buoyant cheerfulness, that his watchful Mother feared that some con- cealed fault or misfortune was distressing his soul. "Ho courted solitude ;»spen't mueh time alone. At length she ventured to enquire what caused him so much evident anxiety and distress. Hfe answered Luer, that he f*lt himself to be a great sinner against God's laws ; that although he had from childhood re- ceived and enjoyed the r'uhest bounties of Providence, he hud caef*SH*d an tn4fro1tofttl and impenitent spirit; that while noth- 10 ittg lie could wi*h for had boen witheld from Klra, while bia- sings infinitely more precious than he had deserved, or could have^ dared to ask had been lavished upon him, all these blessing he had selfishly appropriated to-his own enjoyment and desire for worldly distinction, while all the time he had beMi guiltily unmindful of the beneficent God who had be- stowed them. He exhibited profound distress and self abhor- rence that hehad lived so long unreconciled to God, unwon by the grace and love of Jesus the Saviour. He. earnestly expressed his purpose to consecrate his heart and life tolhe service of God, to make His word his st dy, that he might understand His will, and" to brin^ hi* spirit and conduct into conformity with its precepts. In his peculiarly brilliant and felicitous conversational manner he would expatiate on the wonders and beauties of God's Holy word, which, though he had read it from childhood, seemed now to open upon his mina\ as freshly and forcibly as a new revelation. With a deeper interest- than he had ever taken in his ordinary studies, because he felt that his eternal well being and happiness were involved in his researches, he enteryd upon the study of the Book of God, until satisfied o»f its truth and divine inspiration, he joyfully yielded his, soul to. the method of salvation through the Mediator, which it revealed, took into his heart its precious promises, and solemnly , resolved" to subject his soul and life to its commandments. Here he passed through that marvellous internal change which the Scripttfres call being " born again" "created anew in Christ Jesus,'' and which transforms its subject from a car- nal to a spiiitual man. He now saw that life had other and nobler ends than he had hitherto proposed to himself, and with the decision that always characterized hid nature, without* weak procrastination,, he formally and solemnly consecrated soul and body to the service of that Jesus who had died for him. This i.s what he did ! And is there not something morally sublime in this delib- erate choice? Just now, while life was opening beautiful vistas before his imagination, triumphs and honors La the past, point? ing forward to triumphs and honors in the foturfi, while the world was luring him to its pleasures and rewards, he renoun- ces that world as his portion and joy, and. solemnly and deliH** 11 irately devotes himsetf to a self denying life for others good, and for God'> glory. Here is an example for young men, standing yet upon the threshold of home, looking ou<, and about to leap into the arena of business strife, which we may well commend to their consideration. About this time Lewis visited Richmond with his parents. On tho evening of the weekly lecture at the First Baptist Church, he left a ci r cle of young companions, somewhat chagrined by his withdrawal from the gav gathering, and with out any intimation of bis purpose, accompanied his Father and the elder members of the family to the lecture. At the close of the service he modestly expressed his desire to unite with the Church, and to receive the ordinance of baptism, (living clear evidince of the renewing .work of God's Spirit upon his heart, he was received into the fellowship of the Church and the next evening November 12th, 184G. he was solemnly bap- tized by Rev. Dr, Jeter. He had not yet reached the 20th year of his age. Thus early he brought the honors he had won, the endowments with which he was so liberally gifted, Hie anticipations of the future opening so brightly before him, and "laid all humbly at the foot of CHirist's Cross. A most appro- priate and auspicious hour was this when just about selecting his profession for life, and entering upon its a< tive duties, he publicly avouched his faith in Jesus, and united himself in sol- emn covenant with His disciples. Here is a pattern worthy of being copied by our young men. How many, who have disappointed the hopes, which fine talents and careful culture have raised, would have been saved an useless, injurious, wretched life, an early and hopeless death, by thus sincerely and intelligently dedicating their youth to -God, and throwing around themselves the encouragements and restraints of a religious profession. Having deliberately devoted his life to" the profession of teaching, young Coleman accepted the invitation of his uncle, Mr. F. W Coleman and became his assistant in Concord Academy. * ,; The difficulties " says one of his friends " which surround an assistant Teacher, in a large public school, are well known and have been often sketched. It is rare that a subordinate can even e&taia tie respect of the pupils e'r that controlling 12 influence over them, which will enable hu» te> «ons|ttALHl obedi- ence and attention. To this difficult task he. was found fully equal. He was universally popul.'.r with thja students. He here commenced to develop that wonderful facility- of control- ling boys, which so eminently Oistinguished him in after life." After a few years the Concord Academy was closed, and Mr % Coleman established the Hanover Academy, nearTaylorsville. This was one ot tho-e -Admirable country boarding schools, where removed from the enticements and corruptions of the City, young men, gathered into a rural home, forming a family, of which the Principal is the head, lay, in mental culture, the basis, of futnre enjoyment and usefulness. Under the man- agement of Mr. Coleman, *,he Hanover Academy, was among the, first of its noble class, His reputation for scholarship, I113 pure personal chnracter, his previous experience at Concord, and the popularity he had Acquired amomj the students, combined to ensure yuccess from the commencement. His school was uniformly filled with students to the. utmost capacity of its gradually enlarging accommodations. They came from all sections of our Southern country, and applica- tions were more numerous than places. His labors were very arduous. He neglec'ed, he postponed no present duty. Visi- tors most welcome, friends most beloved, while tarrying under his roof, could not detain him from the ordinary drudging du- ties of his profession. From the most genial and interesting society he would tear himself away, to correct exercises or at- tend to the petty details of business, saying with a pleasant smile, l< you must excuse 'me, but I must tramp on the tread mill." ' ~ Rev. Dr, Taylor for several years his Pastor, says : 4{ He possessed a wonderful administrative talent in the manage- ment of his school. With from s^ixty to an hundred young men under his care, all to teach and feed and lodge, he so arranged as to give general satisfaction in these different departments, and all with remarkable judgment and seli-possrssion. He never seemed in a hurry. He was an admirable disciplinarian. The vicious he knew how to restrain and punish, with rigor and firmness, 'ihile the inconsiderate and erring h& knew how to admonish and influence for good." His students were found upon examination thoroughly pre- pared for the University cootse and took high rank in that In- stitution- He thus too, in connection with worthy cotempora- neous teachers, contributed inneu to tlevate the grade of scholarship in the University itself, and to secure for it that high degree of popularity which drew a larger number of stu- dents to its halls than to any other college on this continent. All who had opportunities for judging, speak in highest terms of the management and disclipine of the school. He established in all things inexorable system and regularity, hnd while decided prompt and linn, he was yet so just, impartial and kind in all, th it he won the pupils to confidence an 1 af- fection for him. He made them feel that he was their friend, and they sought, his counsel as though he were an elder brojh- er, and few left his root who did not remain in after life his enthusiastic admirers and firm friends. "The young men un- der his care," says Dr. Taylor, " regarded him with respect. and admiration as a scholar and many of them loved him as a btoth'T. Having met with many of tbi-m while under his tu- ition and afterwards, I do noirem-mber, in a single instance, to have heard him spoken of in disparaging terms, while 'many bore willing testimony to his integrity and worth as a man and to his aluliy as a teacher. Nor was this all. They respected him as an earnest Christian. He was never ashamed of his religion." He never entered upon the 1 duties of the day wil hout earnest prayer to God. Daily he g -'tin-red his pupils about the family altar, read with them the word of dod and offered for them fervent supplications to the Father of ail. On Sabbath morn : ing thev regularly met as a Bible class, of which he was the interested and instructive teacher. Wheu kept from the Sanc- tuary, he conducted public worship with them, frequently read- ing to them a well selected sermon. Under such pious influence, it seems perfectly natural that Dr. Taylor should say of his pupi's, "I never knew a more re- spectful class of hearers. Their regard for hini/as ^ ell as their own sense of propriety thus educated, induced a general • demeanor in the house of God, so marked in its decorum, as to secure the observation of all." He employed too, by his liberal expendi urcs, the neighboring Pastors, of different denominations, to preach to the studenf>, and by all means within his reach, strove to promote their spiritual culture," One, who belter than any other, became familiar wt'h hia inner life, the loving wife, to whom he. was married while at the Academy, says: " During the l?vst four years of his stay at Hanover Academy, he became dnaly move assiduous in his labors, indeed a slave to the high principles of duty J cnat act- uated him at all times" While he often deplore [he neces- sity whjch required so much of his time" ,n the tread mill exercises of his daily routine," yet he never spared himself a step upon that that tread mill. Be longed for leisure and op- portunity to cultivate and store his mind in more enlarged and congenial studies, yet ho never postponed a present practical duty to this longing. Most of all did he lament that his pres- sing occupations prevented his fuller and more direct consecra* tion to the service of God. u God knows " said he, ' I. try ttino might find food for the soul in evangelical discourses that had little intellectual-merit, And that it grieved him to listen to cynical comments on th© discourses of godly, though humble men, whose whole souls and lives were devoted to the service of God and their follow- tnen. Professer Coleman vv as -eminently a benevolent man. accus- tomed to "do good by sr-ealtli," urrostentatiomdy to distribute his ch unties, and though known as a liberal contributor to all practical benevolences, yet often 'dispensing blessings without letttng his right hand know what his left hand did. He shrunk from any ostentation of benevolence, and some- times *aid in domestic confidence, that he gave less In public subscriptions than his heart dictated lest it should be thought that he gave tor the sake ot having it known, or from impul- sive emulation of others of larger means. -Strictly, sensitively conscientious, he sought ever to know, what dutV to God and man required of him, and he was so jealous of* his reputation -lis a (Ran m nicest sense of honor, and as an upright Christian, that he dreaded lest a suspicion should rest upon any mind that he was capable of neglecting the slighe*t obligation. In 1859, Mr Co eman was elected Profetjger of the Lathi largu ige and literature, in the University of Virginia as suc- cessor to the erudite and lamented Dr. Gesuer Harrison. Thus at the early age of thirty-tour years, he had reached the highest position attainable in his prciesiion. For this post he proved himself to be admirable 6tted. u, Kere'' pays one capa- ble ot forming a judiciois opinion, "tie liad gjiined the prop- er field, here his desire for usefulness h?id scope in which to display itself, and here, while following his honorable and use- ful career, he might have garnered for pos'erity the g)lden|frut of his ripe scholarship and experience. His shore tenure e£ ChB position gavo full promise o~f £«1." Lg Wh«n this opening presented itself, Lis mind was greatfy exercise 1 as to the propriety of the change. He thought over it lony .- ud earnestly, and in fervent prayer sought for counsel and diction from his Heavenly Father. When he had deci- ded the question, he remarked-: "the world may think I am prompt (1 hy ambition, yet I feel assured I have higher motive.*. 1 desire not only the improvement of the talents God has giv- en me, small as t 1 ey are, but I long for more time to devote to my spiritual improvement. ,: He said that his mind seemed petrifying undm- the p'-rpetual monotonous round, and for the sake of more leisure and better opportunities for intellectual and spiritual culture, he was willing to sacrifice considerable pecuniary advantages in assuming the new position- _ During his first year at the University the labor required of. him by the new and unaccustomed duties, were so oppressive- ly burdensome, that his health became in, a few months seri- ously impaired, ,«,Md towards the, close of the session under their augmented pres.-ure, his friends trembled lest mind and body should give way under the perpetual strain. Yet no en- treaties could induce him to relax his exertions, or to spare him*e;f the slightest details of his duties.. He won the confi- dence and admiration of students and associate professors, and p< >ved himself, bv his thorough scholarship, his entire fa- milial iy with the subjects he tau«ht, his felicitous methods of im parting instruct ion his promptness, industry and zeal, to be " the right man in the tight place."' During the second session, h'e was relieved of "much of the drudgery of th a work by the appointment of an assistant, and he was able to devote some leisure hours to the prosecution of higher studies than those directly associated with his Profes- sorship. This he had often longed for, and had been hitherto too busy to attempt. He now prosecuted the study of the German language and entered upon a course of reading in gen- eral literature. But most of all he delighted in hi* inct eased religious priv- ileges. He was as regular as the minister in his visits to the house of God, punctual in his attendance upon the chapel ser- vices, invariably at the prayer mee ings of the students where his voioe was always heard mingling in the songs of -2ion, and often in leading the devotions- of the pious in fervent prayer, with A sweetness and fervency that left salutory and favorable impressions on the hearts, of many. The Sabbath school of colored children and adults wns with- out a Supeiintendent. He was solicited to fate the office. Reluctantly and from a mere sense of duty he consented, fearing that it might prove irksome and interfere *ith mo»e conge- nial services. Hut soon Ids hear] became interested in the work and his higher and most. pleasing duties were not more faithfully performed. "Often" says his devoted wife, ''have I seen him leave a circle of students all fas united by his con- versation, nnd with his little daughter by the hand, ha-ten to this work of the S ibbath e> t ning ; a work that in a" little while he really enjoyed, hoping as he -s;id tint he was d-dng good." And that sweet little one, after joyously joining in with the negro children in their simple and spiritual songs, unconscious of what sort o: service honored her iaiher tnos',, as it announ-- ciig his highest ri'gniry >vonld gleefully n port to all comers, 4, My Pa is Supeiintendent of- the blne|» Sunday School." His "Sabbath days were riot spent in indolerTt loitering. The early hours were passed in .private de otion and in religi- ous exercises with the gathered family. A season was devoted to the careful study, not cursory perusal, of the word of God. He Slid, " It ruins the Epistles to read them in a broken man- ner, by single or scattered chapters.'' Dr. M. Gutty's "lectures on the Psalms ; the Professors' Bible class organised at hi3 instance; and conducted by the chaplain; the public services of the sanctuary lie colored Sabbath 'school; then public S rvice aarain at night; filled up the hours of the Holy day. And in the intervals ; he cordially received such students as chose to come, at his house quieting his wife's scruples con- cerning receiving company upon the Lord's diy, by saying th it he had but liMh opportunity for etertuig teHgioua" influ- ence over, the yOung men, and as Smiday was their only leisure ctay. he was glad to welcome some of them under Lis roof. His brilliant conversational talent, h's winning social spiri^his uniform gentleness and kindness of manner, attracted even strangers within his^sphere, aiul then fastened them as personal rierids. John R. Thompson, Esq., has kindly furnished the follow- ing sketch of Prof. Coleman, which may here be appropriately introduced. " It was my happy fortune to k'jow Lewis Miner CMeuian Well, during a period of several years, which commenced with his University life and ended only with his martyrdom in the cause of his country, and this intimacy but tended to strengthen the affection I felt for him at college, and to enhance the ad- miration which was there excited by his intellectual endow- ments. Pew, very few men, redeem in later y< ars the promise they may have given in the curriculum of the University. — But it was ti characteristic of Coleman that he made every acquisition the sapping stone to something yet higher and nobler beyond, and his under graduate honors had no value in his eyes other than as associated with those instructions which enabled him to reach forward to a still more thorough and •exhaustive knowledge. His gifts zero rich and varied. He had a keen perception of the ludicrous and a "lively enjoyment of mirthful sallies, and his conversation was at times lighted up by flashes of wit, but. the laughter he excited was always chaste, and he never sacri- ficed tire feelings of oiners to a bon moh There was too much ■charity and kilMness in his disposition for this, and his ambi- tion soared far above the reputation of a brilliant conversa- tionalist. So much heart had he, indeed, that humour predom- inated largely over wit, — a quiet, gentle humour like that of Charles Lamb, that broke out in sunny gleams over the barreuesi topics* He had a'so a delicate Sftiv-w of the beauti- ful in art, in literature and in the natural world. lie was an in- dustrious reader and his mind drew to itself all that was trud ■and elevated and wholesome in whatever he read, rejecting the false and the noxious, aa the bee draws honey even from poiso©0'U8 flowers, and a memory singularly retentive coming just here to his aid, he 'kept in his mental ware house, as- weapons are kept in an armory, all the treasures of poetry and philosophy ready for instant use. All wild and romantic scenery he greatly enjoyed. I recollect to have met him once just after his return from a trip up the Saguenay iu Canada East, and his descriptions of what he had seen were full of an unstudied ^race and eloquence sucfc as is rarely found in books of travel. In the line of usefulness he had marked out for himself, he «$ii£hed f&9 highust pbssifelfc ormisenoe* and deserves as a teach- *9 & Jo be ranked with Dr. Arnora, of ftughy, whom, k was 9a*d> be had made his model. I have been with him at Hanover Academy, both in his hours of »eachiug and his hours of play, and seen him among his pupils, beloved, never feared, always respected, the master of their confidence and their affections. Hi sympathies were with thorn in the play ground and m the recitation-ro*m. His temper was the sweetest, and his dhcipline att once the most kindly and unbending of any Dominie that ever sat in magisterial authority over a school-room. Tho fruits of his system of instruction had already manifested them- selves before his <'eath in a higher standard of academical training throughout Virginia. As the private gentlemen, as the warmly. attached friend, the delightful companion, the sincere, humble Christian, the patriot, carrying his life in his hand when his country called for it, I need nn Vpe k of him. 1 cannot think of his early death, a sacrifice to this war, without, recalling the remarkable words of Lord Clarendon in concluding his lofty eulogy on Lucius Carey, Lord Falkland, wherein the histoiian speaks of that lamented nobleman as * having so much despatched the business of life, that the oldest rarely attained to that iminenw knowledge, and the youngest enter not into the world with more innoceney,' and we may add, slightly varying the lan- guage of the sentence, that ' wh" 8 o leads such a life med not care in what manner or at what age it be taken from him.' " The portentous clouds threatening the rushing tempest of" war, threw their gloomy shadows over these ferene and happy scenes. Prof. Coleman promptly settled for himself the course to be pursued in tlie. issues that were forced upon us. " He believed in the sovereignty of his native Slate ; he "believed 1 that tlie rights and privileges guaranteed to us in the Consti- tution had been disregarded by our Northern foes; and he earnestly believed thai, nothing remained for the South but the exercise of the right of secession or revolution. Virginia was invaded — his allegiance was due to Virginia and was only subordinate to his allegiance to his God- God and the St to- alike demanded that Virginia's sons should defend her bor- ders." He deemed it his duty to remain at his post in the ^Juiversity until the close of the session. Even under the h»puhi8S of his fervent patriotism, he would not abaaflOB duties to which he considered himself pledged. "With the close of the tenn h« tendered h»s resignation to the Board of Visi- ters. The rBotrd refused to accept it, keeping the place va cant for his return at the termination of the war. WTjen the early expedition to Harper's Ferry was determin- ed on. many of the students at the University volunteeded tor that enterprise. A younger brother asked Prof. Coleman's advice concerning his joining the company. 'It is yonr duty, Malcolm," said he. " t'> decide for yourself." Shortly after his decision was male, he said to his wife: " Malcolm his deter- mined to go, and I am much pleased. I wanted him to go but felt that 1 ought not to influence him." He remained v. ith the gathering students at the depqt till a late hour, encouraging and cheering them until 'he cars b'oro them away. Then throwing himself upon his sleepless bed he exclaimed : '• I am so sorry I did not. m ike a speech to those noble boys. The poor fellows called me out too. Some of them I may never see again, andjipon the verge of so impor : taut a step I failed to ur^e u-pon them the performance of their whole duty. in this matter, and especially to remind them of their accountability to God, How I regret that I did not speak to them."'' Mr. Coleman loved his profession. He was admirably fitted for it. He had reached the most prominent position to which intellectual ambition can aspire in this country, for there is no literary height to which any man can climb from a Profes- sorship in the University of Virginia. lie is thee upon the surmit of his profe sion — there are no peaks above. On the other hand he had no predilection, no training, no taste for a soldier's life, no asperations for military renown. Personally such a life was intensely distasteful. He anticipa- ted the servjee with auri iking repugnance. It severed him from his dear family. It broke up his loved habits of study. It took him from his books which- were his dt. Hi* graphic pictures 6f the perils of the country and of thft methods by which it might, be d.-iivered from oppression, and rendered free and prosperous, often drew tears from eyes un- accustomed to wei-p. In beating up recruits he visited the house of a poor, aged woman, who resided on his .farm, enquiring after her son. The s >n was already in the service. In speaking of his visit, the old lady said — l Captain Coleman look- ed about and found my Bible; he read to me, and then we knelt, down, nobody but him and me, ani smb. a beautiful prayer as be offered I never heard in all my life, Jur.t to tlUnk ! he should take so much interest in a poor old woman like me! He certainly must be the best man. in the world 1 " Such incidents illustrate the predominating spiritual minded- »eas of '.he man. By such" mfl«en: continues- 28 ©apt. Dance, u yet be succeeded in pelting all ready and start- ing for the field" before me." ^ In this relation, too. he manifested an earnest, p'actical Chris- tian spirit. He provided so tar as possible, for the religious instructions and culture of his men. Upon every suitable op •portunity he solicited u iuisters of the Gospel to preach tor them. He conversed with thena personally concerning their need of piety toward^. God and trust in Him as a preparation for the trials of life and for de th. Regularly, when the bugie sounded the reveille, in early dawn- ing, and the tattoo in the evening, he was among the first to come from his tent, and taking his position in front of the line with uncoveied head and raised hands, like a father at. his family altar, he solemnly and in clear tones, that reached the extremities ot the line implored the favor and blessing- of Almighty God upon his men. Thi-, it is true, was not required by the Regulations. It was seen and felt to be the sincere and voluntary devotion of a pious he^rt. In speaking of these religious exercises held at the head of his company, Capt. Kirkpatrick characterizes them as "those direct, earnest, deeply fervent prayers for which he was re- markable," and then says : men, how much more easily would ihey be controlled, how ef fectively restrained from, wrong and encouraged in right. Do feueh exhibit io*ns of Bolioitoua piety weaken dieipline? Rather do they strengthen it, by superadding a sense of. obligation to the army regulations. Do they diminish courage? He is the bravest fighter, other things being equal, who has the firmest trust in God. Even Infidelity can see that such a spirit must make heroes of an arm}''. Under such influences and energies, it is not wonderful that his company became one of the best disciplined and most efficient in the service. At a trial of skill between several rival companies, soon after reaching Manassas, his command was pronounced, by competent judges, to be the second if not the best in the Corps. Especially was this company distinguished at the bloody battle of Sharpsburg,- where in the beat of the conflict, and amid severe suffering, it gallantly maintained its position, and nobly aided in the defeat of the enemy. The day before his. company was ordered to the field his aged Grandmother, visi/ed him at Richmond. They were together at the residence. of a mutual friend. Capt. Coleman went into her room just before she retired and kneeling at the dear old lady's feet, said : " Grandma I shall leave in the morning before you are up, and I may never see you again jn this world, for thisis-a serious, earnest work which I have undertaken and I want you to bless your child -before he parts from you.'' And placing the hand of' this aged saint upon his head, he received from her, who for more -than fifty years has been a bright and shining light in the Church of God, the patriarchal blessing.'' In imitating this beautiful ancient and oriental custom is evinced, Mr. Coleman's familiarity and re- \erence for thegold Bible When a child of six years old, for so early he could read readily, that old Grandmother would spread the Family Bible upon a chair, and Lewis drawing his little stool before it wonld sit and pore over its narratives for hours together. It was not unnatural then, thatUhe association, oi childhood, strengthened in youth and manhood; that his whole spirit imbued vjththe fitness and beauty of the old. customs, should have led him to f(*l 4< that his heart would be lightened and (Micuur'ged ifc the discharge of a sacred 25 though dangerous duty by receiving from the eldest of the family," the formal patriarchal blessing. His company was ordered to Manassas and formed a part of Gen Pendleton's Reserve Corps of Artillery. Time will not permit us to do more than follow the track of the company in the retreat from Manas-**, the march to Yorktown and the withdrawal from the Peninsula, the battles around Richmond and the marches^o the Rappahannock and to Maryland in all which it honorably participated. At the reorganization of the army in. f862, Gapt. Coleman was appointed Major i»f Artillery and soon after was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the First Regiment of Virginia artil- lery. Col. Coleman was always to be found in his place, never absenting Iw-msell from the post ot du'y except frpui necessity, and once, for swveral weeks, 'rom sickness. During the battles aronnd Richmond he was by a mistake of position for a short time m hands of the enemy.- But he managed by his coolness and presence of mind to extricate himself. Speaking of the the terrible storm of battle he said, that, while beyond conception it was awful, yet a relying trust ie-God gave him perf ct confidence and peace. One of his fellow officers remarked that the earnest i ess and sincerity of his ejnculatory prayers upon the ba'tle field, convinced him " that the soul of Col. Coleman was always fixed upon the one sure hope and source of strength." " We were drawn up in line of battle," says Capt Kirkpatrick, u on the eastern bank of the Chickahomy, with the advancing enemy in front, on a Sabbath morning in April or May 1862. Capt. Coleman approached where 1 was lying, took from my hands the Bible I ha 1 been reading and turning *othe 84th Psalm- he read it and commented upon its beautiful ver.-es. I can now reeall the earnest longing tones, in which he repeated, ' How amible are Thy tabernacles, Oh ! Lord of Hosts ' My soul longeth yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord, my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God 1 He drew a par- alel between David'sTondition when he composed that Psalm, and ours as we had been driven by our enemies, and spoke of the wonderful adaptednes of God's Word, when even such cir- cumstances, as those around us, only the more forcibly impress 26 sed ks truths and beauties upon the soul. He then went on to speak in gl.owing words, of the sweet privileges of God's House, the solemn assembles of His saints, their blissful communion with Him in all the ordinances of His worship. The impression made "P ^ me by that reading and those running comments willnever be effaced • from my memory, and while my soul retains its powers, the 8ith Psalm will be associated in my mind, with Lewis Minor Coleman and that beautiful but anxious Sabbath morning." He was prevented by severe illness from accompanying the army into Maryland in 1862. Even then his active*spirit chafed under the necessary restraint. He requested a brother officer to send for him if there was any prospect of a battle. In the dead hour of night he heard a rap at the door. ** Tis a message for me" said he " and I must go." Said his wife " you cannot go, you have not strength to walk across the room." "No matter," he replied "I will go, God will give me strength. " Fortunately the message related to some other matter. A short time before the battle of Fredericksburg he resumed hfs ooril- mand, Three days before that fatal battle while riding with a friend to- wards Port Royal, his friend remarked, "Intheseven days tight around Richmond I fought literally over my fathers grave, my gun being but a few yards, from it If I should fall in this war I should prefer to fall upon such to me sacred ground." Col. Coleman replied, '' If I am kilted in this war I should prefer to fall here, for hard by my Father lies buried." Three days after .not far distant he received his mortal wound. « I am permitted to make a few extiacts from letters written during his services in the army, which allow us a glance into his inner life, and reveal to us a little of his pure and loving. heart. In immediate expectation of a battle near Yorktowa, April 27th, 18«2. He thus writes; "Dearest Mother ;— I -have a little time this Sabbath afternoon and will write a fetv lines to tell you how strongly, at this last moment, when no oue knows what an hour may bring forth, the thought of all the love and tenderness and fostering care bestowed in my childhood, comes over your loving son If I have ever caused you needless trouble, let me now ask your forgiveness All that. I am, all # the hap- piness I have ever, enjoyed, is I believe due to you, and from you in' freat measure, under Providence, comes ray hope of immortal life, thank God that I am and do love from my heart of hearts nil who are near to me, Father, Mother, Grandma, (God bless her,) Brothers, Sisters, Wife, children, all. * * * * * * * I pray and hope that I may be spared to see you all in peace and happiness again. No one can tell what his fate may be in the bloody struggle which impends, and if I fall, I want you all to know how dearly I love you, and to know farther that my only hope and confidence is in. God through Jesus Christ our Lord." la writing of his beloved wife while visiting her sick Father, had been surprized and detained within the enemies liae« ; and separated, from ber children ; after expressing his pain and regret he says : " But it was right for ber to go aud see her dying Father, notwithstanding the suffering it involves. Suffering encountered in the path of duty can never do harm," * Upon the dearth of the youngest brother of the family he thus write*, just a raontb, before bis own death summons: " My Dearest MoTutu:— It is with heartfelt anguish that I have just learned of dear Willie's death. I know your heart is bowed down with grief at the loss of your youngest born— *fco sweet— so gentle — so lovely in all respeets. I always legarded him as the lamb of the- flock * * * Can you not, my dvar Mother, in this darJt hour, put your whole trust and confidence in Our Heavenly Pathelr who doeth all things well. God grant tbat we may all strive to be little children, as our dear Willie was." After speaking of the grief of two young brothers who were with him in tbe service be adds: " I trust tbat this great affliction which for the present seemeth so very grievous may biing to them a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. I truet too that 1 shall be stirred up to be a better guide both bv examp'e and precept, to my two voiing brothers so strangely associated with me, after so many years of separation." But I must hasten to the sad close of this sketch. Col. Coleman was on duty with his regiment at the battle of Fredericksburg, on the 13th, of December under Gen. Jackson, and with unflinching courage, and entire self possession, maintained hi3 position on that bloody field. "He might," says Capt. Dance, "without any dereliction of duty have kept out of that battle altogether, for when his regiment was brought up, other artillery bad already occupied the positiou. But be was anxious to render some service and sought out ihe General eommaudmg that part of the line and obtained leave to place some of his guns in position, and two guns of my buttery wee all he could find room foi, and it was at one of these tbat he received ihe wound which finally provtd mortal. His.horse hed been killed and though? on foot and wounded, he still insisted ur.on remaining <>n tbe ground, and even ottered his assistance in filling up a ditch, that my guns> might be carried over to advauce on the enemy." Late in the day be was struck by a bull in the leg just below the kuee. He deemed the wound a slight one, and, as we have seen, re- fused to leave the field, until by increasing faintness be was compelled to do so, but not until the victory had seen decided for our arms.. When bis wound was dressed, he playfully remarked that it would be- a " good furlough " for awhile. He was bjrue to the house of Mr; Yerby in Spottsylvania county. Here when found by his uncle, Rerc. James D. Coleman, he was surrounded by the wounded' and dying, to- whom in his benevolent self-forget fulness he was sti*Jviu died, he roused him- self and turning to his brother said : "Malcolm, did I die as a Chris- tian soldier ought to die?"— then entfrelj recovering consciousness he smiled and sa:d, "I thought..] bad died t'.i he h < field." For ninety eight weary dcsa*iouaJ respites faom yam, su«b as probably 4ew Biea have 29 ever been ea*led to bear. The incurable efysipilas, the inflaimtion involving the whole limb, and extending by sympathy to bis whole frame, the frequant incisions and probirigs, the 'drain from inces&afft suppuration, the ir.acessib'e ulcers oritrmafing in his changeiess posi* tion on the couch, all combined to produce ex'Cfhtiating' pain. Yet all vas borne with a patience, resignation, even cheerfulness, that, has, peuhaps, never been surpassed. When convinced that thrie'wusuo rational hope of his recovery, he fixed the eye of his faith" steadily upon the bright home in heaven, and seeming to enter already into Communion with ihe beloved ones who had pone before, looked beyond the interval over 'which he must pass, and lived as though already in the light of his Redeemer's g'ory. He was nioie than patient, he Was exultant, at times enraptured. Referring to the fact that he was in the neighborhood where much .of his youth had been spent, he said, '• Here were most of the sins of BIT early life committed, and here do I come to d;e, and to find them all foi given tbiough the mercy and love of Jesus." "Why it is but a short trip" said he to his weipirg friends "it is only taking a little journey and then safe arid happy forever Jtm but a trip, we Shall all meet ng;.in soon, and 1 want tu' start and be w.th Christ." "f had hoped" said fie, " to do gwd, living as a minister' of 1he gospel, but perhaps God will make my death a ministry for the eou- version of those dear ones who are jel out of Christ. 1 may do more good by dying than by living " These h -q.es have not beeu in vuirr. One of his brothers has already united with the church of Christ. Another dear friend to whom be bad-appealed in a former serious ill- ness, and io whom later he sent this message, ' Teli Charles M r- that I once before knocked at the door of his heart, and that he must strive to meet me in heaven," writes me, " his warning, from the death bed, I trust have not been in vain. I feel that under God I now have a hope of a bettor life." He called ail the household Jtven the ser- vants to his bed side, and tenderly gave them bis dying counsels and bade them loving fare we! Is He a»k'ed them what messages he should bear for them to the ransomed loved ones who had gone before- Referring to his recent death Of bis joungegt brother, he said, with a sweet smile, to his brother, Dr. Coleman, *' Dear lit tie Willie! I shall be more fortunate than yon were, Robert, you went to Lexington to see him and were dis appointed, but I shall not be disappointed. I shall certainly see hi-m." Turning to his beloved wife, who had been an unwearied watcher and ministrant during his lingering illness, says Rev Mr. Coleman, "he prouounced npou her character and life a most tender and beau- tiful eulogv, and in words that seemed to gush from the depths of his soul, praised and thanked and blessed {jer for the* happiness and joy, which her love had brought to his heart and life." -a He charged those whe ministered to him with pious messages to the absent. "Tell Gen. Jack- on and Gen* Lee," said he, "that they know how Christian soldiers can tight, aud 1 wisT* they couJd see nuw how p. Christian soldier oaa di«u" 4 - ■• 1-n eawimuBieatiBg Vnis message to Geu. Jackseu, "Br.-G».lewta« wrote, **;1 doubt not, General, that the intimate acquaintance w*$h yourself? Tvhich my'brother desired on earth, will be vouchsafed to him in Heaven, and that when your career of usefulness here i« ended, 'in ■the green pastures and beside the still waters ' of a brighter sphere, yraessage to his ow.mbe-- ?loved Generals. Ouce only, when writhing in agony intenpe.did his faith fop a brief space seem to fail, and he expressed a. dread that God's face- was hid! from him. A few dttys after he re-called this expression of doubt to-, ?mind and said : " Doctor, you remember! paid 1 did not feel God's; presence with me. I could not hear the rustling of the angela-piuionsv Now 1 know that he is near me, and ; -I feel the breath ofVtha angels ^wings." 1 Ue exacted from his younger ^brother, Dr. Malcolm Fleming, who watched constantly at his bedside, a .promise that he would let him . know when his end was approaching. When his feeble, sinking pulse, indicated the speedy termination of his sufferings, Malcolm sykf to him, with throbbmg heart and streaming -eyes, "Brother Lewis, you re- member my promise." " Yes, Malcolm, do you think I annoying? " He could only bow his head in answers Immediately with as much composure as he had ever given a lecture to a class, he dictated his last will, and then fell asleep as calmly as in childhood. When he atifoke he expressed surprise that Jie still livedi. He had fallen asleep amid the farewells rff loving lips, and ths suppressed wailings of bleeding hearts. He-fca! hoped to waken in Heaven. — « Come Lord Jesus, como quickly, O come quickly," whs bis frequent prayer. He was asked " would vyou not prefer to stay wiih usV" — , "So! no!" he replied, " I prefer-to go.'* They sang." a.4 his request such hymns as— ''Jesus and shall it ever b"> ; ' A mortal man as Earned of Thee." And "How firm a foundation ye sa nts o§ the Lord^ Is laid for your faith in LisexjeUext Word." And, in fetble tones, he, joinedin tL- Ba red songg. W# in. the-^night m be asked them try sing the hymn commencing -"Jesus I Iot© Thj charming Name," and the last verse he sang with them in faltering, dying tones— "I'll speak the honors of Thy name With my last laboring brealh — And dying clasp Thee in my arms, The antidote of Death." Some said to him—" You will soon be in Heaven ; are you willing to go?" "Perfectly willing" "Certainly I am. '4 They were his last words, and soon in the early dawn of J be morning on the 21st of March, 1868, he fell asleep in Jeass. When the summons ot death comes to us, may we each be ready tonay — "Perfectly willing." Certainly I am " Young Men ! we have thus presented* for your contemplation an im- perfect Biirview of the life of a christian scholar and soldier. The ex- traordinary deeds of some world-worshipped hero or fabulous demi- god might perhaps have better amused or entertained Ihe multitude. cut such a sketch as this cafinol fail to be more useful, in so far as it is practical and iuiiuibie. Here are excellencies you may attain, a character you may emulate, a life you may copy. " If no faults shade the picture'' to quote the be«utiful Sentiment of Rov. Dr Iloge, in speaking of another of Virginia's noble sons fallen in batt-Ie; " it is not because I have hidden them from my readers, but because grace has hidden them from me." It majr be true that Col. Colemau's natural mental endowments, his original physical capabilities were of a higher order, than God has given to most. But as a practical life I have endeavored to sketch one that is plainly imitable. Perhaps the most promiuent characteristic of his moral nature was his conscientiousness. In little matters, as in those more important, he was accustomed to ask, and to act upon answer, what is duty ; ? " His conceptions of duty " says Major Venable, one of his earliest and latest friends, " were as Irue and direct as his performance of it was thorough and exact." This is imitab'e by all-- Persevering industry, including earnest attention to litt'e" things, was .another marked feature of Lewis Oo'em u's life In his studies, earlier and later, in all the {pracuea-i routine of daily rcquiiemcnfs, in the study and lecture-room,