Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1811-06-20
Lord caesterfsld,s last Reaeetion..

n
"I have enjoyed all the pleasures of this
worl6, and consequently know their futility,
and do not regret their loss. appraise them
at their real value, which in truth, is very
low: whereas those who have not experience
ed, always over-rate them. They only see
their gay outside, and are da2zled with their
glare but have been behind the scenes. 1t
is n common notion, and like many common
ones, very false one, that those who have
led life of pleasure and business, can never
be easy in retirement; whereas am persuad-
ed that they are the only people who can, if
they have any sense and reflection. They
can look back without an evil eye upon what
they from knowledge despise; others have
always a hankering after what they are not
acquainted with. j lcck upon all that has
passed, as one of those romantic dreams that
opium commonly occasions, and do by no
means desire to repeat the nauseous dose,
for the sake Of the fugitive dream.-WhenI
say that have no regret, ] do not mean that
have no remorse, for life either of busi-
ness, or still more Of pleasure, never was,
and never will be, state of innocence. But
God, who knows the strength of human pas
sions, and the weakness of human reason,
viii, it is 20 be hoped, rather mercifuly par
den than justly punish, acknowledged errors.
! have been as wicked and as vain, though
not so wise as Solomon but am now at last
wise enough TO feel and attest the truth of
his reflection, that all is vanity and yexation
of spirit This truth is never sufficiently dis
covered or felt by mere speculation; expert
ence in this case is necessary for conviction,
though perhaps at the expense Of some mo-
rality. Ny health is always bad, though
sometimes better and sometimes worse ard
NY deafness deprivcs me Of the comforts
OF society, which other people have in their
illnesses. This you must allow, is an unfor-
tunate latter end Of life, and consequently a
tiresome one bat must own too, that it is
a sort of balance to the tumultuous and ina
ginarv pleasures Of the former part Of il. ]
consider my present wretched old acc as a
Just compensation for the follies, not 10 say /,
sins Of my youth. At the same time | am
thankful that feel none Of those tortuTing Ills,
which frequently attend the last stage oflife,
! and fatcr myself that I shall 20 off quiet
w, and with resignation. My stay in this
world cannot be long God, who placed me
here, only knows when he will order me cut of
It /; but whency eT he does, / shall willingly o.
hey his command. wait for It, implorirg
the mercy Of my creator, and deprecating
his justicc.-Thc best of us must trust Co the
| former and dread the latter / think i am
not afraid of my journeys end, but win not
answer for myself, when the object draws
very near, and is very sure. For when one
| does see death near let the best or the wors;
people say what they please, il is a serious
consideration. The divine attribute Of mer-
| cy, which gives US comfort cannot make US
forget the attribute Of justice, which must
blend scme fears with our hope. Life is nei-
| Their burden nor pleasure TO me brt GER
| tain degree Of ennui necessarily attends that
neutral state, which makes me very willing
60 part with it, when he who placed me here
thinks TT to call me away--When reflect
however, upon the poor remainder Of IA!