Möhler in Meran

Appendix.

Möhler in Meran *). 1/2

He arrived here in June of last year, at a time when an oppressive heat was already making itself felt; this, however, exerted the most beneficial influence on his health and, combined with the whey cure, gave rise to the best hopes. In the stream of southern vital breezes, his spirits visibly revived. His tall, dignified stature, the profound sincerity of his discerning eyes, the humanity of his entire conduct, and above all the most measured restraint in speech and judgment, rendered him highly venerable even to complete strangers from his very first days, so that his mere appearance worked upon hearts with moral force. He lodged at the Post, where the great attentiveness of the good innkeepers did him much good. And indeed, he enjoyed this attention in high measure, not so much as a guest, but through the high dignity of his priestly character. Our people, always moved with reverence at the sight of a priest, showed him the greatest respect everywhere without knowing him more closely, with visible tact for his edifying presence, touched by his kind affability: when the country folk, following ancient custom, dropped their farm tools to kiss his hand, a visible emotion seized him on several occasions, which in inward comparison bore the finest testimony to the noble simplicity and devotion of the Tyrolean people. The state of his health, which did not permit loud speaking, made him cautious, even fearful, in all circumstances; yet even this unavoidable discomfort was always subordinated with the most circumspect sensitivity to higher moral considerations, so that anyone visiting or associating with him felt involuntarily prompted to equal consideration and admiration. At first he intended to make several excursions, to Castle Tyrol, to Kaltern, Botzen, and elsewhere, but this came to nothing, since any greater exertion aggravated his chest ailment. His farthest walk extended an hour away to Tscherms, but undertaken with a swiftness and haste that quite understandably stood out as an overexertion of his delicate organism and also brought about a brief deterioration of his condition. While his outward efforts were directed toward the restoration of his health, his active, incessantly working mind remained occupied with the most far-reaching, original ideas on God, Church, and State, so that converse with him was the finest school of the greatest and noblest truths. He always spoke very slowly, with extreme precision, in well-ordered, uncomplicated periods executed with the utmost accuracy, possessing the polish and refinement of a classically educated mind to which the higher unction of Christian wisdom had imparted strength and grace. At times, in familiar company, his discourse rose to an impassioned warmth, and a faint flush passed over his pale countenance, an eloquent witness to the inward fire, but also an intimation of the spark of the malady that was to end his life. He never spoke of his works except upon direct inquiry, and even then only briefly, with a humility and modesty found only alongside such genuine merit, alongside such consummate cultivation and rounded maturity in religion and scholarship. Requested to provide a complete list of his writings, he passed over his first work, "On the Unity of the Church," in complete silence, and when reminded of it, he observed: "I am not entirely fond of being reminded of this work. It is the product of an enthusiastic youth, honestly intentioned toward God, Church, and the world; but much of what is contained therein I could no longer defend today; not everything is properly digested and presented." Only of the "Symbolik" did he once begin to speak unprompted, on a particular occasion, with the smile so peculiarly his own of a clear, upright conscience. Namely, the well-known consistorial councillor and court preacher Strauß from Berlin had arrived in Meran in the company of his son, ostensibly with the intention of having the latter climb the peak of the Ortler, toward which, however, to our knowledge no attempt was made. By chance, Strauß learned at the inn's table that a certain Professor Müller was staying here for his health, whether the name Möhler had been mispronounced or misunderstood. Immediately Strauß wished to see him, taking him for an acquaintance of long standing. He entered Möhler's room, immediately perceiving his mistake and adroitly parrying in general conversation, while the author of the "Symbolik" knew the court preacher from Berlin perfectly well. (Conclusion to follow.)

*) We believe we will bring pleasure to the numerous friends of this distinguished man by imparting this essay as a fond remembrance of one of the noblest men.