Force of Character.

Southland Times, Issue 9693, 6 December 1887, Page 3

Force of Character.

And wbo was Hildebrand ? It isa very pertinent question ; aud Mr Lilly knows this when he urges bis readers to consider it. Hildebrand was the mean-looking son of a poor Tuscan carpenter ; and his sole worldly advantages began and ended with sufficient interest to pernio his edncation in a monastery. Every Btep io his career towards power and influence was due wholly to hit? own personal qualities— hia virtue, hiß earnestness, bis vigour, hiß force of character. And tbe strength of these is rendered still more apparent from the fact that they bad to contend, not only against every possible outward obstacle, but also agaiust obstacles presented by other qualities of his own. Some strong men, of oven the humblest origin, bave been gifted witb imposing manners and a commanding presence, whicb, in aristocratic ages, has been of incalculable help to them ; but with Hildebrand the very reverse was the case. He was of equat figure, of coarse complexion, bis stomach wati too big for bie body, and hia legs too short. He was outwardly the 'very incarnation of vulgarity. Aud yet such was the character of this extraordinary man, that in tbat turbulent age, lhat age of pride and violence, be was sought out and chosen, as it seemed in spite of ".himself, for post after post of increasing power aod influence, til! ho found himself the foremost figure in Christendom, with the proudest of western potentates cowering half-naked at his doorstep. — Quarterly Review for July.