“We have in vain considered the character and reward of the illustrious man recently gone to his rest, if it does not demonstrate that the very highest style of human greatness may be found in the faithful labours of the ministry. Oh that we might but look upon things in the light of eternity! To win a single soul to Christ is an honour ‘beyond all Greek, all Roman fame.’ To be the instrument in the salvation of hundreds and thousands in an honour which angels might covet, a glory that will shine undimmed by the lapse of ages, and blaze in ever-growing brightness when kingdoms and dynasties are all forgotten. Be it ours, then, as Christian parents, to consecrate to this glorious work and destiny the treasures of our hearts — those sons on whom we look with all a parent’s pride and fondness.” — Abraham Van Zandt, True Greatness: a Sermon Occasioned by the Death of Archibald Alexander, D.D. (1852)