Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-08-16


onement, of which the world has witnessed
but few examples. Possessing mind well
balanced in itself, by the nice proportion and
adjustment of its faculties, he never inclined to
those eccentricities, either of opinion or OF &C
ton, which too often the lot ofexalted genius.
Free from all tincture Of envy, hatred, or ma
Ice---he delighted in the prosperity Of his COM
panions, and in the fame, svs. Of those, who, by
the world, were considered his rivals.
The history Of man, Of nations, and Of ma
ture--natural philosophy-mathemati
above all experfence--the great fountain of wis
dom. were the sources from which he drew his
mighty knowledge. Nothing that was worth
knowing, was indifferent to him. No wealth,
no political advancement, no ambition OF fame,
had the least charm tor him, when compared
with his desire to elevate the character and
happiness of his country, and to discover and
: develope the immutable principles. OF truth
applying those principles TO every relation OF
dan, and encouraging all around him to Olsen
,hral themselves from doctrines not based upon
reason, and to exercise their own powers OF re-
Rection; for despodsm, whether philosophical,
political, or religious, was odious IN ms sight
Sensible OF the estimation in which he was
held by his countrymen, he cwelt on the thought
Of his successful career, with a satisfaction
which he did not affect 10 conceal. He spoke,
with exulta,ion, of his agency in prohibiting the
further importation Of slaves; in abolishing en-
tails, and the principles Of primogeuiture; and
in the successful attack upon the establishment
Of dominant religion. But, OF all the services
which ne had rendered his country or state, ne
seemed 10 dwell upon none with more enthusi-
astic delight, than upon those connected with
the University Of Virginia. 81 claim, he said,
s;some share in the merit of this great work OF
regeneration. My whole labors, for many
wears, have been devoted to it, and l stand
pledged to follow it up through the remnant OF
life remaining TO me-" And faithfully ne did
He not only founded and directed the progress
of the institution, but he assumed, with prompt
ness, the arduous duties Of the Rector; and the
stability Of his habits, the universally OF his
requirements, the gentleness of his manners,
the benignity of his disposition, and that warm
interest in the happiness OF others, which led
him so constantly to promote it---were qualities
which eminently fitted him for the station.
have often listened with rapture 10 the mar
ratives of those who have seen the Philosopher
in the midst Of his youthful friends. In this
sociery, he appeared entirely TO forget that ne
had once welded the destinies Of the treest, the
happiest, and in every other respect than ply
steal power, the greatest nation on earth
He entered into cheerful conversation, with
such as could overcome the dltfdence--pro-
duced by their awful veneration for his cha
racter aud years---and, like another Socrates,
let none depart without some new acquisition
to his treasure Of acknowledgement some new
impression of the vast importance of initiating
his bright example. His mind was wholly
absorbed in this fayorite employment. No
md h
nancial impeachment could damp his ardor. by
patience and perseverance, ingenuity and ar
1ument---he gradually obtained The means ne
cessary to the accomplishment OF MS WORK; ana
with all the care, research and reflection, 'na'
he'yould have bestowed upon the lonstitutioh
of an Empire---he drew up Code oil Laws LOT
i,s Government land secured for II success
f,l operation, and profound respect
How abundantly gratifying to philanthropy
&c The contemplation of well regulated mind,
enlarged by knowledge, kindled by genius, and
I;gbted I'M with virtue--directing It's powerful
energies TO the good of man through the intel
lec,nal Improvement Of the rising generation
No man better knew than Mr.. Jefferson the IN
calculable advantages of education. he had
scru,inized its influence in the development
direction of our moral and intellectual faculties,
and was aware that il was the principal source
Of his-own usefulness. 1t is education, indeed,
which teaches mar to respect the voice o' reaS-
ON. and follow her as the guide OF his conduct
reminds him of the necessities OF subordina-
ion TO government and laws, and expands MS
selfish feelings into virtuous patrio:sm---unl'es
him with friends, and the great family OF man
kind. and swells his bosom with the purest be-
neyolence. 1t exalts his thoughts TO another
world, and gives constancy to his virtues amidst
the trials of hfe---and 4 serenity TO his mind a
midst its evils. II is,-in a word--the mann
spring Of power and pre-eminence-- ouiwarS
Of our happiness--the palladium OF our iioer'ieS'
Twas the opinion Of Madam De Stael--as ex-
pressed to our distinguished fellow citizen,
Henry Clay, that ga people who have received
the benefits of the lights a edueation, never can
be conouered-though assailed by the united
mowers of the earth; for the mind, when enrich
ed and expauded-spurns the proves OF the
despot, and looking forward with elevated eye,
beholds its own greatness---and laughs at the
,unv assaults of the ignorant invader. "A
na,ion.. -uneduca,ed"-- this accomplished
woman-"neyer can be free" land never was
remark more substantially true--for whitherso-
ever we turn our eyes we behold It's 'erlhca'lon
No wonder, then, that such man as Jeher-
SON should have given the remnant OF his lie
20 the establishment Of University--and that
in his last hou-, he should have breathed the
e .nrNfy