Muhlenberg.] 'jit) [March 16, 



mind was metaphysical. He delighted in the English studies of the col- 

 lege course (with the exception of mathematics), and in these easily dis- 

 tanced his seniors, some of whom numbered twice his years. He was a 

 voracious reader, devouring with avidity almost every thing that he could 

 lay his hands upon. Thus absorbed, he became oblivious to the lapse of 

 time, and was frequentl3% we may almost say, habitually negligent of the 

 proper preparation for the regular recitations. * * » His mind worked, 

 with amazing celerity, and his fund of general information was remarka- 

 bly extensive in one so young. * * * The drudgery of routine was 

 always distasteful to him, and he had often, in the recitation room, to be 

 aroused from a reverie, into which his poetic fancy had led him away, as 

 into the dreamland, where he loved to linger. With a keen sense of the 

 ludicrous, he seemed unable to resist the temptation to make sport of the 

 unfortunate weaknesses and blunderings of the less active minds around 

 him. The youngeU in a large class * * * he found abundant op- 

 portunity for the display of his lively wit, which, with all its native kind- 

 liness and playful geniality, was sometimes the reverse of welcome to those 

 at whom it was aimed." Those who had constant opportunities of seeing 

 Dr. Krauth in his subsequent life, will recognize the coincidence of this 

 accurate portraiture of his early life with the features of character he dis- 

 played, almost to his dying hour, the only difference being that they were 

 placed more under the control of reason, and their rough edges had been 

 removed " by his naiive kindliness," made more kindly, by continual ad- 

 vances in Christian principle and love. 



His collegiate career was now closed, and it was necessary for him to 

 decide upon a profession, in which he might more usefully employ his 

 native and improved capacities. I do not think he was long in coming 

 to a conclusion ; for two years before his graduation, in connection with 

 the dear friend already named, he had determined to devote himself en- 

 tirely to the service of the Redeemer, and had been admitted, by the rite of 

 Confirmation, to the communion of the Christian Church. On the occasion 

 when these two interesting youths made up their minds to take this decided 

 stand, Dr. Hay remarks that the elder Dr. Krauth, intensely interested 

 for the welfare of his son, made a most fervent pra3'er in their behalf, and 

 he gives his conception of it, by exclaiming : " Such a prayer !" And the 

 same thing is alluded to by another, well acquainted with the facts, who 

 remarks: "Many there are who will never forget that prayer. * * * 

 A prominent lawyer in the State, and an elder in the Presbyterian Church, 

 ascribes his usefulness to the influence of that prayer." Tlie elder Dr. 

 Krauth was inimitable for the fervency and pathos of his supplications on 

 all occasions. 



This first determined step of the son on the side of Christianity, in con- 

 nection with the instructions, wishes and prayers of his venerated father, 

 prepared the way for the second, the devotion of himself to the church in 

 the ministry of the gospel. The loving father of our lamented friend 

 experienced greater joy, without doubt, in this determination of his son 



