Ix 



erudition and his severest toil were ever subservient to the good 

 of mankind. Usefulness was his glory. 



Limited as our view of Mr. Pickering's life has necessarily been, 

 we have not failed to see the wide extent of his active and benefi- 

 cent influence. Our laws as well as literature bear the impress of 

 his luminous mind. Education acknowledges him as one of her 

 most efficient friends. We have seen him the teacher of teachers, 

 the improver of authors, the enlightener of colleges, the pioneer of 

 civilization, affording a guiding light to all engaged in the acqui- 

 sition or diffusion of knowledge, from the humblest pupil to the 

 profoundest inquirer, from the classical instructer at home to the 

 herald of Christianity in heathen lands. 



Some men's learning is kept, as a standing pool, for their own 

 undisturbed gaze. Mr. Pickering's was a living fountain, gushing 

 out in every direction, fertilizing the country around. Others 

 there are, who think only of rearing from their learning a monu- 

 ment to themselves, caring little for the world. Mr. Pickering 

 thought little of himself, but every thing of the world. So, too, in 

 the use of wealth, some are intent only on its accumulation, as if 

 its value consisted in its bulk, and the distinction thereby pro- 

 duced. Not so the " man of Ross." He spread his wealth wher- 

 ever he could make it most productive of common blessings. Mr. 

 Pickering was the man of Ross in learning, — scattering his intel- 

 lectual treasures everywhere, as they were needed to bless his fel- 

 low-men. 



" The admirable Pickering ! " is already the exclamation of 

 fervent gratitude.* Admirable indeed ; — not for wonderful talents 

 perverted, or for dazzling, delusive genius ; but for fine powers 



* Note N. 



