“The modes in which a large population displays its enthusiasm are
pretty much the same throughout the world. If the sentiment which
collects men together be very heart-stirring, it will be seen in the
outward manifestations. Thus processions, orations, public dinners, and
pageantries, which in themselves are vain and empty, are important when
the persons whom they collect together are moved by one common feeling,
which sways them for the time.
“We never saw such a popular fervor as prevailed at Mentz, at the
festival of August 1857. The statue was to be uncovered on Monday the
14th; but on Sunday evening the name of Gutenberg was rife through
the streets. In the morning, all Mentz was in motion by six o’clock;
and at eight, a procession was formed to the Cathedral, which, if it
was not much more imposing than some of the processions of trades in
London and other cities, was conducted with a quiet precision which
evinced that the people felt that they were engaged in a solemn act.
The fine old Cathedral was crowded; the Bishop of Mentz performed High
Mass; the first Bible printed by Gutenberg was displayed. What a field
for reflection was here opened! The first Bible in connection with the
imposing pageantries of Roman Catholicism,--the Bible in great part a
sealed book to the body of the people; the service of God in a tongue
unknown to the larger number of worshippers; but that first Bible
the germ of millions of Bibles that have spread the light of Christ
throughout the veritable globe!
“The mass ended, the procession again advanced to an adjacent
square, where the statue was to be opened. Here was erected a vast
amphitheatre, where, seated under their respective banners, were
deputations from all the great cities of Europe. Amidst salvos of
artillery the veil was removed from the statue, and a hymn sung by a
thousand voices. Then came orations, then dinners, balls, orations,
boat-races, processions by torch light. For three days the population
of Mentz was kept in a state of high excitement, the echo of which went
through Germany, and “Gutenberg! Gutenberg!” was toasted in many a
bumper of Rhenish wine amidst this cordial and enthusiastic people.
“And, indeed, even in one who could not boast of belonging to the
land in which printing was invented, the universal and mighty
effects of this art, when rightly considered, would produce almost
a corresponding enthusiasm. It is difficult to look upon the great
changes that have been effected during the last four centuries, and
which are still in progress everywhere around us, and not connect
them with printing and its inventor. The castles on the Rhine, under
whose ruins we travelled back from Mentz, perished before the powerful
combinations of the people of the towns. The petty feudal despots fell
when the burghers had acquired wealth and knowledge. But the progress
of despotism on a larger scale could not have been arrested, had the
art of Gutenberg not been discovered. The strongholds of military power
still frown over the same majestic river. The Rhine has seen its petty
fortresses crumble into decay. Ehrenbreitstein is stronger than ever.
But even Ehrenbreitstein will fall before the powers of the mind.
Seeing, then, what, under God, intellect has done and is doing, we may
well venerate the memory of Gutenberg of Mentz.”
[Illustration]
[Illustration]