t>4S Southern Historical Society Papers.
presiding head. I soon discovered that his mind towered above these earthly distinctions ; that in his judgment the cause gave dig- nity to the institution, and not the wealth of its endowment, or the renown of its scholars ; that this door and not another was opened to him by Providence, and he only wished to be assured of his com- petency to fulfill the trust, and thus to make his few remaining years a comfort and blessing to his suffering country. I had spoken to his human feelings ; he had now revealed himself to me as one " whose life was hid with Christ in God." My speech was no longer restrained. I congratulated him that his heart had been inclined to this great cause, and that he was spared to give to the world this august testimony to the importance of Christian education. How he listened to my feeble words ; how he beckoned me to his side as the fullness of my heart found utterance ; how his whole countenance glowed with animation when I spoke of the Holy Ghost as the great teacher, whose presence was required to make education a blessing, which otherwise might be the curse of mankind ; how feelingly he responded, how eloque^itly, as I never heard him speak before, can never be effaced from memory, and nothing more sacred mingles with my reminiscences of the dead.
Into this new sphere of duty he entered with that steadfast spirit of devotion which adorned his whole life. His example was needed to restore the drooping spirits of his countrymen. He felt it, and lavished all his strength in the effort to make them feel there was something to live for in the future. With the pale signet of death upon his brow, he toiled for the young under his care. He fed them with his right hand and ruled them prudently with all his power. He sought to kindle their ambition, to heal the wounds of their country, and above all things endeavored to raise them to a new and higher life with God. Behold him, then, while distant nations were applauding his name, walking the daily round of duty, seeking only to do God's will and conquer his own. With what success he ad- dressed himself to this sublime mission, is attested by the rapid growth of the college under his charge, now become one of the most thriving and vigorous institutions in the land.
Very imi)erfect mention has been made of the religious character of General Lee. The lesson ought not to be lost upon a proud and gainsaying world, that its own chosen hero lived and died a Chris- tian, in word and deed. The world had its portion in him ; his own portion was not on earth. The renown which he had won on the theatre of worldly distinction, he knew to be the breath of popu-
