Now, for a moment, on the character of this man the unfathomable plan of God for future ages would seem to have been resting.
In his sixty-eight years he had discovered, among other things, the vanity of wealth and splendor.

It was no more to him than the idle wind.

These are his exact words as he stood with a gentle smile on his face: "If you wish to use me, give me the propositions and dismiss all thought of rewards from your mind.

They would destroy the influence you propose to use." Howe, a good man as men went those days, had got beyond his depth.

His philosophy comprehended no such mystery.