Page:Historical account of Lisbon college.djvu/164

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154
HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF LISBON COLLEGE.

previous year it had been found necessary to free him both from the burthen of his office and the duties as Professor of Theology. On February 7 in this year, his illness, which had been protracted and very painful and yet borne with exemplary patience, proved fatal at the comparatively early age of fifty-nine.

Dr. Richmond deserves more than a passing notice. He was born in Wyersdale in Lancashire, on January 26, 1813, and entered the College on January 27, 1828. From this time, with the exception of the seven years which he spent upon the English Mission, his whole life had been passed in the College. Though not gifted with remarkable talents, yet by his industry and application he was enabled to fill with credit and success the various Professorships to which in succession he was appointed. He was well versed in the Classics, a proficient teacher of Humanities, and creditably discharged the duties of Professor of Theology and Sacred Scripture. In addition to a competent knowledge of the French and Portuguese languages, he had acquired a very considerable acquaintance with Hebrew, in which for a time he held from the Portuguese Government, the appointment of Examiner. Nature had gifted him with a remarkable musical taste to which his numerous compositions, some of which he published, but especially the beautiful Responsories for the Tenebrse Office in Holy Week bear witness.

He was likewise of a kind and lovable nature which attracted the affection and confidence of the students, towards whom he ever displayed a truly paternal disposition. He merited well of the College, and the great and wide-spread regret evinced at his death, as well by those within its walls as by the numerous friends with out, is the best evidence of his worth. There are many still living who will ever bear a grateful recollection in their hearts of Dr. Laurence Richmond. He was succeeded in the Vice-Presidentship by the Rev. Dr. Duckett, at present a member of the Cathedral Chapter of Northampton and Rector of the magnificent church of