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JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 141

and the strength to give in person his last words, a priceless legacy, to the National Academy at its annual meeting in Washington, in April, and through that association to the civilized and scientific world; I refer to his sentiment "that moral excellence is the highest dignity of man."

The loftiest talents and highest attainments without this are deficient in that, which, in the judgement of wise men and of Infinite Wisdom, is of greatest worth. Was there ever a man from whom the sentiment could come with better grace?

The opinion has been expressed, and I do not regard it extravagant that the letter addressed by Professor Henry to his friend Joseph Patterson, emanating from such a mind, such a man, at the close of a protracted life of singular distinction, was worth a lifetime to produce. It has probably been read by millions, in various languages, and will be by future generations. 

Professor Henry was not only a man of science, a discoverer of nature's laws and forces, but a sincere believer in God their Author and in his atoning Son. To quote his language: "We are conscious of having evil thoughts and tendencies that we cannot associate ourselves with a Divine Being, who is the Director and Governor of all, or even call upon him for mercy, without the intercession of one who may affiliate himself with us."

Let me quote from the prayer offered at his obsequies and to which we repeat our sincere Amen; the lips that uttered it, in less than one short month were silent in death, and the two remarkable man, Professors Joseph Henry and Charles Hodge, closely united in life were not long divided by death:

"We thank Thee, O God, that Joseph Henry was born; that Thou didst endow him with such rare gifts, intellectual, moral, and spiritual; that Thou didst spare him to a good old age, and enable him to accomplish so much for the increase of human knowledge and for the good of his fellow men; and above all that Thou didst hold him up before this whole nation as such a conspicuous illustration of the truth that moral excellence in the highest dignity of man."

On motion of Dr. Maclean, it was

Resolved, That the thanks of the Board of Regents be presented to the gentlemen who took part in the memorial services held in the United States Capitol on the 16th of January in honor of the late Professor Henry, and that they may be requested to furnish copies of their remarks on that occasion. 

Dr. Maclean stated that he intended in the above resolution to include General Sherman, who was prevented by the lateness of the hour from delivering the whole address he had prepared, Rev. Drs. McCosh and Sunderland, who offered prayers, and Mr. Clymer, who made a few introductory remarks of an exceedingly interesting character in presenting telegrams which had been sent to the meeitng from London.