Berkeley and Jefferson intelligencer. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va.) 1802-1810, 1807-06-05

not merely q LIE OF that lnestlmaole
man, DR.. Beaetie, the admiration and
delight of all who know him or read his
writings, but multitude of his letters
to his familiar friends, which besides
containing interesting anecdotes Of seve-
raIpersonages of celebrity, are .replete
with wisdom, piety aud that true SIM
pie philosophy which dignifes the pos
SCISSOR. The following character Of Dr..
Johnson's favorite friend Mr.. Langton,
given in a note, will interest those Of
our readers who delight in contemplating
the characters of good nen:
Bennett Langton, Esq. of Langton
in the county of Lincoln, LII. d. gen.
tleman no less eminent for bis virtues
than for his ardent love Of literature,
inheritine a paternal fortune that rem
dered him independent of any profe ssion
he devoted himself to the study Of let
tiers, which he cultivated with uncom-
mon assiduity, FIRST at the grammar
schools Of Kensington, Reading and
Beverly, aftsrwards-at Trinity college,
oSford. His favorite study was Greek,
In which he became very learned he
was an excellent Latin scholar, and had
even acquired a knowledge Of the He.
brew. He had thorough acquaintance
with the French language, andr also
theHtalian, Spanish aad Portuguese.
But his successful and extraordinary
requirements in literature, were by no
means the most remarkable part Of Mr..
Langton's character. His exemplary
piety, his singular humility, aud his UNI
wearied endeavo1rs in the exercise of
the great duties Of charity and benevo.
lence, were his brightest ornaments. It
Was the emphatiek testimony Of DR..
Johnson in his. favour, 81 know not
who will so to A eaven il Eangton does
not sir, could almost say" Sit 0ni-
ma mea cum Ldngtsno ; = and when Mr..
Boswell, to whom the DR.. made the re.
mark, mentioned very eminent friend
of theirs as a virtuous man, Johnson's
reply was Yes sir, but he has not the
evangelical virtue Of Langton." On
another occasion, he said to Mr.. Bos-
we'll, with vehemeuce of affectionate
regard, g The earth does. not bear a.
worthisr man than Bennett Langton.
: HIS acquaintance with DR.. Johnson
commenced in manner somewhat sin.
gi.lsr. When Mr.. Langton was no
more than sixteen years Of age, and be.
ore ne Mknt to the university, having
read, with high degree of admiration,
Dr.. Iohnson's celebrated Rambler, which
was FIRST published about that period, he
travelled to London, chiefly with vie "
ofbecoming acquainteG with its author.
10 this hesuceeeded and Johnson being
struck with his great piety, love of lear
ming, and suav!ry Of manners, concei.
we'd warm affection for him while he,
en- the other hand, was charmed with
DR.. Johnson, whose ideas and senti.
ments he found congsnial with those he
had early imbibed at home. From that
period notwithstanding a considerable
disparity of years, most intimate
friendship took place between them,
which lasted, WITHOUT the slightest in.
terfuption; as long as johnson lived.
When the death OF his insstimable friend
drew near, Mr.. Langtou attended him
constantly and soothed some Of his Last
hours with the most pleasing aud aFee-
tiorate a1siduisies. Once when Mr..
Lsngton was sitting by his bedside, Dr.:
Johnson is said TO have seized his hand
and to have exclaimed with great en-
phasis--" TIE tenea1s ns0rirns, dsfciente
/ mssa." ,...y-. 49,.
Nor did this amiable person, with
d his attachment to literature, shut
himself up in his library, or pass his
t'time 10 literary Incidence. Having en-
gagged in that constitutional defence Of
his country, the militia, he laid aside his
classical studies for time, aud resolved
to make himself thoroughly master OIL
military taeticks. In this pursuit be
employed himself with such assiduity
that in nolong period he became an CT
cellent officer. He acquired the estee m
and admiration Of his brother officers
vSox nx,ls, he, h;s xvorth anil Isarninn hn,