HIS WORK FOR POSTERITY 213 



the column where it would support the building. The 

 story of his life continues in his influence upon others. 

 Now was displayed the master spirit fitted to lead men. 



The great preacher is not bounded by his pulpit, 

 though there he has most immediate sway. Linnaeus 

 became rector of the university of Upsala. This was 

 his pulpit ; from it he spoke to a listening world. 1 

 He was now an eminently prosperous man ; every- 

 thing went well with him, and all men admired 

 him. ' Our successes always come in squadrons.' 

 Prosperity softened him too. He wore the trappings 

 of his learning ' with a grace but seldom judged expe- 

 dient in such cases.' Truth fell with peculiar pleasant- 

 ness and persuasion from his lips. He was, as has 

 also been said of Kingsley, ' at home most blameless, 

 simple, and cheerful, in all domestic relations ; manful 

 head and child-like heart ' ; and besides this ' he was, 

 through his conversation, a source not only of much 

 instruction, but of great elevation of character.' 2 In his 

 public office he was charming as an official man can be. 



Botanical lectures had hitherto been rather a matter 

 of form than of instruction, and were not frequented. 

 Linnaous came and entirely changed the face of affairs. 

 His genius charmed the old and formed the young. Flora 

 was more courted in Sweden than at any former period. 

 His lecture-hall overflowed with a crowded audience. 3 



1 The rector of the university, who is changed every year, is 

 chosen from among the professors. 



2 Carr. Stoever. 



