l life, as subtle, as many sided in its
aspects, as the national spirit itself,--into the knowledge of which
one must grow by slow degrees, bending his pliant mind till it
gradually yields to the new channels of thought and expression.

"An unfaithful scholar," says one of his pupils, "was gently yet
unmistakably reminded of his delinquency, perhaps by assistance being
omitted upon a point which he might easily have ascertained for
himself. One whom he saw struggling to learn he invariably helped, and
this help was given so kindly that many a one would try to make a good
recitation if only to gratify one so much beloved. The best scholars
were quickened by his most delicately expressed appreciation of their
victories, and even sluggish souls felt an unwonted light and warmth
stirring in them when they came into his presence. I remember well our
last recitation in Greek. It was from Plato. He started with an idea
of the noble philosopher, Christianized it, and gave it to us in a few
simple, sublime words, with an attitude and _look_ that melted the
hearts of all.

"It has sometimes occurred to me that he could not seem constantly to
others as he did to me, like one who had dropped from a higher sphere,
to remain a little while in order to draw the hearts that should love
him to a purer, higher, and better life. But conversation with others
has shown me that it has long been a general impression that he moved
in a realm above the common level of even the best men."

There was still another aspect in which Professor Putnam presented
himself, which should not be passed over without at least an allusion.
Having completed his professional studies, his own tastes and higher
aims, no less than the wishes of his friends, induced him occasionally
to exercise the functions of the Christian ministry. Hence he sought
and received ordination according to the usages of the Congregational
churches, and in that relation stood in his lot. With what earnestness
and pureness of motive, with what loftiness of purpose and fidelity in
his high calling, and acceptance to those who heard him, I need not
try to express. But I may say that it was not for want of solicitation
that he did not exchange his professorship for places of considerable
public importance in the other calling. It was his duty, a belief of
his fitness for his post, that kept him from some inviting fields of
labor elsewhere.

Having referred in fitting terms to his call t