REMARKS OF PROFESSOR WYMAN. 369 



and proper discrimination. In an affectionate and united 

 family group, such as is not often seen in this world, he was 

 the central figure, imparting happiness to all, and reaping 

 his reward in the immeasurable love and reverence of all. 

 In a word, he was, in the largest and best sense of the ex- 

 pression, a Christian gentleman, who felt the power of re- 

 ligion in his own heart, and commended it to others by the 

 silent but persuasive teachings of a consistent life. 



What I have written is probably too indefinite to sub- 

 serve your purpose ; but I am afraid to enter upon details, 

 or to put trust in my memory, after an interval of more 

 than forty years, embracing the active period of life, and 

 devoted to the duties and exactions of a laborious pro- 

 fession. 



Such was the impression which Mr. Silliman made 

 on those who knew him best. It confirms the view that 

 was taken of him by persons whose opportunity of 

 intercourse with him was less. Says Professor Jef- 

 fries Wyman (whose estimate of Mr. Silliman as a 

 lecturer has already been given) : 



" For Professor Silliman's life and character I have a 

 feeling of deep reverence. This is greater than that to- 

 wards any other person with whom I have come in con- 

 tact in the relation of a teacher. I prize highly, very 

 highly, what he taught me in science, and the direction he 

 gave to my studies, all unconsciously to himself; but I 

 have no words to express my admiration of the moral dig- 

 nity of his character and its beneficent influence. After 

 the lapse of a quarter of a century, I find myself often 

 recurring to the teachings and example set before us 

 during the seasons he passed in Boston. His cordial greet- 

 ing ; his dignified, yet often joyous, manner ; his freedom 

 from bigotry ; his earnestness and devotion to the pursuits 

 of knowledge ; his readiness to impart his stores of learn- 



VOL. ii. 24 



