Page:Historical account of Lisbon college.djvu/46

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HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF LISBON COLLEGE

totelian Philosophy in which, with a multitude of occult qualities, almost everything is problematically disputed upon, anxiously sought after certainty, and gave to the Philosophers of our own times the most assiduous perusal. Godden observed a different conduct, and humbly embracing that occupation which God gave to man, rested in the opinion that Philosophical enquiries should be pursued only as far as Christian Philosophy ministers to true Theology and the Mysteries of Faith. During their residence at College, nothing appeared in the conduct of Sergeant that merited reproof; in Godden nothing but what merited esteem, nothing but what merited admiration. The virtues necessary to form the Apostolic Missionary were not deficient in Sergeant; in Godden they were eminently conspicuous. After their ad mission to Holy Orders and the Priesthood, in both was observed the same tenor of conduct, the same piety, the same obedience to Superiors; unless, perhaps, the zeal of Sergeant for the salvation of souls was distinguished for its vehemence; that of Godden for its prudence. The temper of the former was sometimes warm and impetuous; that of the latter ever mild and sedate."

Dr. Russell who penned the above sketch, is, himself, one of the most famous of the sons of Alma Mater, and one of whom the College may well be proud.

He was born of an obscure family of Berkshire, and went to the College very young in the capacity of servant to Dr. Daniel on his appointment to the Presidentship, 1642. During the period of five years that he continued in this humble situation, he gave all his leisure time to study, and such was the proficiency that he made, that his patron at length judged him worthy to be admitted into the Community, and gave him a place among the students on August 14, in the year 1647, which was the eighteenth of his age. In the schools young Russell soon outstripped his companions, and bore away the first prize in Humanities the year after his admission. Soon after he had entered Divinity, the rest of his class were