"We feel such a strong attachment to the great Christian family for whom we have so long provided our humble repast, that the task is truly painful to take leave. You have been our friends and the friends of a noble cause; you have sustained us and advanced truth. You have frequently prayed for our success, and your prayers have been heard, and now, though our relation in one respect is changed, yet we still will be one in spirit, and unitedly labor for the advancement of the same common cause, keep our eye on the mark and meet in glory. When our toils are done, when we lay low in the grave, then may the cause in which we have labored exert a universal influence; liberal truth spread throughout the world,—and the Palladium's humble banner wave in triumph over the crumbling ruins of sectarism and be the herald of Liberty, Union and Peace. Beloved patrons, Farewell!"
Thus ended seven years of severe editorial service, through which we discern the action of a shrewd, intelligent, energetic and active mind; all in all, the ablest and most efficient editor of whom the history of the Christian denomination may boast. He was, indeed, constitutionally kind, yet on dishonesty and imposture, especially if they came under the sacred garb, he was boldly severe, this being his favorite, chosen motto on all such occasions:
"Strip the miscreants of the robes they stain,
And drive them from the altars they profane."
One has only to look at the character of the same periodical from the time he left it until now, to be convinced that his place has never been supplied; that the same amount of concentrated interest has never, to this date, been awakened; and, when we reflect on the energy, the life and the hope its pages inspired in the communities whose sentiments it faithfully pleaded, we are strikingly reminded that on earth nothing is so valuable as a man, and that no cause is ever mighty except through decision, through force of character and force of expression, in setting forth the ideas and principles which may enlighten and save.
[CHAPTER XVIII.]
GENERAL VIEWS.
On Education.—The first time I had the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with Mr. Badger, was in January, 1835, at Canton, N. Y.; and among the several topics on which he conversed during the few days we were together, was the subject of education. He then said:—
"Every human being should be educated. All young men who are seeking to be useful in public life should be educated. But there are certain evils to be avoided in the means we pursue. Every human being, to improve in a natural way, requires a certain amount of physical exercise. To shut one's self up among books without walking and suitable activity is the certain road to weakness."
He said he had been trying to mature a plan of education for young ministers, of which he should speak at some future time. He said that ministers gain no power by becoming dry scholars; that they should be living, natural men, to be profited by science and literature. I noticed, in all subsequent interviews, that he never seemed to want scientific culture, at the expense of naturalness, spirituality, and sound health. It was Horace Mann, I think, who more recently said, that a dyspeptic stomach is an abomination to the Lord. Mr. Badger substantially stood upon this text, in his educational views, many years ago.