Page:Ferrier Works vol 2 1888 LECTURES IN GREEK PHILOSOPHY.pdf/36

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
INTRODUCTORY NOTICE.
xxix

He conducted his thinking, as it were, in broad day. The student could see every turn and winding of it; and the frankness of his manner gave a singular attraction to the frank boldness of his intellect, and more than anything, perhaps, explained the mingled love and admiration with which he was regarded. And yet, with all his easy cordiality, so manly was he, and so commanding the natural relations of his mind to others, that I do not fancy it could have entered into the head of even the most presumptuous student to take any liberty with him. If it was his happy power to stimulate enthusiasm and call forth interest in the young, he was no less able, in all circumstances, to preserve the most perfect order. And while he awakened affection, he never failed to secure respect."

Professor Shairp of St Andrews writes as follows:—

"In the autumn of 1857 circumstances connected with my appointment at St Andrews led to a long correspondence, which I have not preserved. But the one impression left on me was that of Ferrier's manliness, justness, and high honour, combined with the finest consideration and most delicate courtesy towards all concerned. Not to speak of personal gratitude towards him for having so smoothed the way through many practical difficulties, the whole tone of his letters left on me a delightful impression of his character. I need hardly say that my inter-