Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1820-04-25

contemplation of this picture, to the re-
collection of gentleman with whom !
once enjoyed close intimacy. He was
a man of very superior order, and |
never approached him without feeling
respect for his presence, and something
above the ordinary sentiments of friend
ship. knew him to be an honorable
and brave man, and on many occasions
to have exhibited that stedfast devotion
to principle which betokens exalted
character, and displays the dignity of
mind. The effect oft was to give worth
to every profession of his lips, and he
seemed to value his own high estimate
of his friend, from the conviction that
he had not formed it rashly. He de-
clded on ALI occasions, | think, with I'M
common steadiness, and appeared to
think the integrity of his judgment at
stake IN every principle he adopted or
opinion that he expressed. He was po-
lite, though reserved; Social, without
being familiar. His education and his
character equally conspired to instil in
to his mind a contempt for little things,
and taught him to rest his responsibility
upon the propriety of his actions. /
never knew man whose gentleman
ship was better founded. In addition to.
these qualities, he possessed suscepti-
BILE disposition, somewhat grave, and
rather adapted to the frankness of the
friendly circle, than the promiscuous in
tercourse of the world. With nice
taste he had ranged throu gh the apart
ments OF literature, and had acquired a
very decided tondness for the seclusion
OF his library: the effect was an enlarge
ment OF mind proportional TO the refine
ment OF bis feelings. We cannot wonder
that he should have chosen the retire
ment OF the country: he found some
thing in the serenity of groves and the
richness OF fields, that corresponded
with his temper and his acquire
ments something that delighted his
philosophy, and warmed his feelings
10 such man there is world in the
mind, and the happiness of the little
sphere OF his home is almost infinite
he feels no disposition to search beyond
it, already assured of the truth which
Rasselas learned by experience, that the
more narrowly we contract the circle of
enloyments, the more intensely DO we
feel them. My friend married. His
wife was an intelligent and amiable lady,
who did full honor to his judgment. To
him she was every thing. A disposition
like his finds in marriage something to
fill up every void---a balm for every af-
Fiction. There IS 10 generous senti-
mcnt to Which it does not open his be-
som, and no selfish attribute which it does
not Danish. He cultivated the commun-
ion of soul which wedlock pledges, with
an assiduity which proportionably alieha-
ted him from the world ~ , -; y
Fate had reserved him for cruel
blow. At the very time when saw him
4 eJoicing in the pride of his character,
urrounded by the richest blessings of
Fheaven, devoted to the interests of his
f..inily and friends, and dispensing hap
pincss to all about him.; enconnterii!g
with a steady fortitudc the troubles and
dangers of life while every attribute of
his being seemed warmed and brighten
ed by the smiles of awoman who rever-
ed hin a mildew had lighted upon the
idol OF his affections, and withered it
away to the GOODNESS of the grave and
the, banquet of the worm. 80
There were 10 scbs nor tears lit was
only the heavy heaving of the breast,
and the struggling of character seeking
to preserve its balance in the wreck Of
affection. l saw him through many
day of mourning, patient and calm, and
Oh Z! most deeply Wounded. Yet stood
he not before the world in sack cloth and
ashes, but in the emphatic representa-
ton Of, scripture, /" he anointcd his head
and washed his face" saw him left in
the deep distress of dcsolatiot, to SILVER
companionless' and 'uncheered in the
bleak winter'of blightcd love-the fond
est sentiments of his heart stricken to the
quick by a privation of that for which
he could find no substitute, and the dar-
ling hopes OF happiness in that rural Sc
clusion, where his affections warmed and
grouped together, and reposed in the
tender congeniality of love all with
cred, beaten down, and crushed. ;, 1t is
the most melancholy image upon which
the mind can dwell. l will venerate the
man whose fortitude will bear him in
mastered through such a weary conflict.
Here l must cease. The watchman
cries, "past one"--my pen is worn
down-my thoughts have run out, and l
fear have made my readers too serious
for Horace's merfiment. So, now, gen.