Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. I.djvu/269

Rh and his profound criticism on the working of the state church, awoke innumerable minds. By his promulgation of the objective revelations of the Gospel to the human heart, and above all, of its divine leader, Vinet gave a new concentration to the Christian consciousness, which hitherto had too often understood Christianity as merely doctrine or morality whilst it overlooked its chief object—Jesus Christ, and God revealed in him.

The bringing of this livingly forward, was the aim of Vinet's later activity, both as a teacher and writer. His course of Litterature Français, so rich in noble metal, in beautiful flowers, and so instructive to the youthful mind—is an examination, from the Christian point of view, into the productions of French Literature during the last century. His University Lectures aimed at presenting, with an eloquence and ardor which, perhaps, never were surpassed, the relationship between the requirements of the human consciousness and the “glad tidings of revelation.”

From his chair, as lecturer, where he still spoke with dying voice on these subjects, to his numerous pupils, he was carried one day home, never to stand up before them more.

“If I had lived longer,” he was heard to say on his death-bed, “I might have been able—perhaps to accomplish something good!”

A more humble soul never existed.

Vinet died in the prime of life, but he had done more for humanity than most men.

Vinet has formed, as much by his own character as by his teaching, a school whence have already