The 7th essay in A Noble Company, volume 10, is on Abram D. Gillette (1807-1882).

A. D. Gillette rose from humble and even tragic beginnings to occupy the pastorates of prominent churches in three centers of political, social, and economic power during the most divisive and destructive conflict in the history of the United States and its aftermath. Yet, unlike Russell Conwell and Walter Rauschenbusch, Gillette neither fully embraced the laissez-faire system that constructed the Gilded Age, nor forthrightly condemned it. Rather Gillette, as a Regular Baptist, stood between these two extremes as one who addressed societal issues as extensions of his pastoral office. In this capacity, Gillette advanced opportunities for the disadvantaged, worked towards reconciliation, and pleaded for the lives of the condemned. Furthermore, Gillette gave of himself to his charges even to the point of sacrificing his health. Thus, in Gillette, the roles of prophet and reformer converged into the pastoral office. --Andre Gazal