DR. GORDON ON MILTON

In introducing Dr. George A. Gordon D.D. '81, who delivered the commemorative lecture on Milton last night at Sanders Theatre, President Eliot said that Milton expresses the aims and ideals of Harvard University by his life more than any other man. He was one of the greatest Puritans of his time, and Harvard College was founded by Puritans to supply a religious education. He was a great writer of prose and poetry, and teaching the English language is one of the greatest aims of the University. He was the apostle of civil and religious liberty, which is what Harvard College was dedicated to at the outset.

Dr. Gordon began by pointing out that Milton was born at the beginning of a new age of progress in which there were many famous men, among whom he was one of the greatest. His life can be divided into three parts: his early years as a student and scholar; his share in the struggles of the day; and his retirement and the writing of his great epic poem. Milton went to college to become a minister in the Anglican Church, but he never carried out this intention for he believed that the people should rule in religious matters, not the bishops. He joined the Presbyterian Church but as that did not conform to his ideas he left it, for he did not hesitate to do what he thought right. Another example of his fearlessness in this respect is shown in the stand he took against the king of England, who he said should be judged by the laws of England.

Critics say that his prose is below his poetry, which is perhaps true; but no one can blame him when the conditions under which he wrote are considered. His prose was written in defence of the very life and liberty of the English people at a time when everything was at fever heat, and when it was hardly possible to write composedly and coolly. Though not as good as his poetry, Milton's prose has not received the attention due it by scholars; it has been slighted because it calls to account king, church, council, and common law. This prose should be read especially by Americans, because it is one of the forerunners of their liberty. In Paradise Lost Milton shows his great spiritual thought; for the Holy Bible is the only work in English that surpasses it in this respect. The poet himself is one of the "kings" of the English race, no one surpassing him in pureness of character.