It was a plant which could not be brought to perfection in darkness.

He had begun life by the most painful conflict between filial duty and conscience,--a large provision in the church secured for him by his father; but he could not sign.

There was discredit, as you know, attached to such scruples.
'He was also, when I first knew him, under other circumstances of a nature to depress him, and to make him feel that he was unjustly treated.
The gradual removal of these called forth his better nature in thankfulness to God.

Still the old misanthropic modes of expressing himself obtruded themselves at times.

This passed in '48 between him and Robertson.