Page:Ferrier Works vol 2 1888 LECTURES IN GREEK PHILOSOPHY.pdf/33

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xxvi
INTRODUCTORY NOTICE.

ence for its truths, when these were not disfigured by superstition or formalism. His large thoughtfulness made him indifferent to minor matters, which to many minds represent so much of religion, and he had perhaps too vehement a dislike to certain aspects of pietistic activity; but he had true religious impulses; and Christian truth, expressed in a manly, straightforward, and unexaggerated manner, always impressed him. He was open to the light from whatever quarter it might come; but he also felt that there was much regarding which we must be content here to remain in darkness, and to await the solution of the future.

"There was at all times in Professor Ferrier's character great sweetness and a certain charm of loyal and chivalrous feeling, combined with passionate energy and decisiveness, amounting to obstinacy where his supposed rights or interests were involved. In the last years of his life these stronger features dropped out of sight, and all the gentle chivalry and forbearance of his nature came forth more prominently. He had for some time laid aside all ambition. He had forgiven his philosophical enemies, and even forgotten, as if it had never been, the painful crisis signalised by his pamphlet on the 'Old and the New Philosophy.' He was surrounded by those he loved, and by many attached friends who vied with each other in their respect and affection for him. He felt at the same time that his strength was rapidly failing, and that the end of