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Runciman, James, 1852-1891

"A Dream of the North Sea"

Then we have also
Mr. Fullerton, who has been working and speechifying to some purpose for
years. While I was pur-blind, this gentleman was clear-sighted; and, if
you could go where I have been, and see the missionary work that I have
seen, you would never speak ill of a missionary again. I do not believe
ill of men. Some one among our statesmen summed up his ideas of life by
saying, 'Men are very good fellows, but rather vain.' I should say, 'Men
are mixtures; but few can resist the temptation to do a good action if
they are shown how to do it.' Now, we're all very comfortable here--or I
hope so, at all events; and it will do us good to hear of strong, useful
men who never know what comfort means--and that through no fault of
their own, but only through the strange complications of civilized
society. I call on Mr. Fullerton to address this meeting." Fullerton
rose and faced his audience like a practised hand. His trance-like
intensity of gaze might have led you to think that he was going to pour
out a lengthy speech: but he had tact; he knew that he would please
Cassall and the audience by letting them hear the words of a new man,
and he merely said: "For years I have addressed many meetings, and I
have worked and prayed day and night. Help has risen up for me, and now
I am content to be a humble member of the company who have agreed in
their hundreds to aid in my life's work. I am but an instrument to be
laid aside when my weary day is over and my Master's behests fulfilled.


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