The Beloved Physician: A Sermon Preached in the First Congregational Church, Burlington, Vermont, Sunday, November 19th, 1882 (Classic Reprin, Ware Loammi Goodenow

Though dead, he yet speaketh. The clear, generous voice, which sounded the fit instrument of so generous a heart, is hushed for ever. But, out of so clear a memory as is his, of a kindness without fail and truth without Shadow, he still speaks. And out of a life so full, dili gence so active, a spirit so faithful, does he not speak to us for the hope which is ours in Christ, that, somewhere in the great universe of God and by His father-love, there must be place still for fidelity to continue, for use fulness not to die out, for such large humanity still to be a benefactor? Yes, though dead, he speaketh, and greets us out of a memory which we shall cherish long among our possessions of the dear affection and bright example which wait on goodness. Out of the hope he greets us, that of goodness the memorial is immortal, because it is known with God, as also with men. When it is present men take example of it; and when it is gone, they desire it; it weareth a crown and triumpheth for ever, having gotten the victory, striving after undefiled rewards.

To-day, while the sense of loss is fresh in the death of our dear friend and honored neighbor, Dr. Thayer, whoever Shall turn to seek in Scripture a proper text to speak in one word the feeling of this community, will almost surely, I think, light upon this The beloved physician. For this will tell just his main distinction in his profession.

I say in his profession. For it is of him in his public capacity that I would Speak, as he was known and read of all. Yet never, I believe, has public capacity followed the lead more closely or represented better the private heart. His public capacity? That was but the mirror of the capaciousness of his generous nature. His professional work reflected himself. Does talent, in evitably, smack of character? Our friends conspicuous faculty and his high professional usefulness surely have borne witness always to a finer, better ability deeper in him. Through his work looked the man; looked and came forth the man, more helpful and efficient than his Skill. His manhood, true and large and pure, -tender and sympathetic, - took the lead of his medical eminence, and was in attendance before it.

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