Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-07-12


wilderness, and they lived to see 1t at once
monument and model TO the friends OF liberty
in both worlds. When they signed the sacred
charter Of our rights they anticipated the strug-
ples which they would have to encounter, In
wading through "seas Of blood and clouds OF
dus, TO recover .heir lost liberties. hey bad
s,ated their lives upon the cast and no foresight
could have assured to them happy termina-
ton of their tolls and dangers. Their blood
might have flowed under the axe OF the execu-
,;oner. and after the sword was once drawn,
they could not confidently rely on meeting IN
This world. They not only survived the dread
full conflict, but lived half century, blessings
TO their country and ornaments TO human ma
ture: ornaments Of The sublimest degree they
were. In the establishment Of civil and reii'
eious liberty, they enlightened world, bound
by the chains of despotism which they burst as
under. They have lived honored and respect
ed, and in fuiness Of years, like the aged OAKS
of the forest, they have fallen and descended to
the valley, with hono.s, glory and immortality
thickeued upon them.
The angel of death in his dispensations, In
coursinc around the universe, has snatched from
our country its most beloved citizens. The pc
riod of one day was assigned to him Tor the ez-
ecution Of his purpose. AS consumma'ion
Of human glory, and an evidence OF human de-
pendence, he selected the day OF our national
rejoicing. Amidst the roar Of cannon, the
bursts Of patriotism, and the splendor OF elo-
ouence, he reaches Monticello: he behods the
venerable patriot reposipg on bed oil sickness:
he hears him breathing prayer OF gratitude,
that he had again seen the day OF the salvation
of his country: he inspects his heart, and hnds
him ready TO enter into the presence Of his God.
His glory is perfected-his days are number
ed-h:s immortal spirit returns 10 the Deity,
who gave it. The bow of the angel is again
bent.-Aaother victim is demanded before the
setting of the sun Of tina, proud day. The in
flexible messenger rapidly speeds his way to
Quincy, the home Of the honored patriarch,
borne down with the inhrmities of age, though
anticipating the sight of a few more suns
Ninety one years had rolled over the head Of
the sage, when the messenger announced TO
him the reason Of his coming. He told him,
that his departure was at hand-that there
was reserved for him "far more exceed
ing and eternal weight Of glory" That his
country was still in the enjoyment Of that liber-
tv, which he had assisted in acquiring, and that
the recollection Of his memory and services
would prove its safeguard. The angel also in
formed him, that his Great Co.Patriot was now
on his Journey to the mansions Of everlasting
tranquility; that he had bid final adeu to this
world of tribulation, and that they would be
soon reunited by a bond Of unspeakable friend
ship in the company Of Washington, Franklin,
Hancock, and the rest of that glorious band OF
divine souls. The Patriarch received the news
of the death of his oopatriot with profound
grief He recalled to himself all the virtues
and talents which had so eminently distinguish
ed him. In the morning his spirits had been
refreshed by hearing read TO him that Declara-
ton of independence, which he, himself, hall
century ago, had advocated with the eloquence
of an archangef: He humbly thanked his God
that he had permitted him to live TO that day
Then with a serene countenancc, and his eyes
directed towards Heaven, he gave sign TO the
angel, that he was also ready TO depart Wrapt
in celestial vision, the angel carries him in
his bosom 10 meet his Father and his God.
= 1t is the duty of every good citizen, to hold
in constant remembrance the images Of those
illustrious men. Though dead, they yet speak
by their examples to US. Fifty years ago the
proudest effort of human greatness was unfold
ed to the rights Of mankind. The Declaration
of Independence was, in itself, our sword and
our shield Through its influence patriotism
was kept alive, and the arms of our country
triumphed, in consequence Of that Declaration,
bringing 10 their aid, the pledge of the Olives,
fortunes and sacred honor" Of our revered and
renowned ancestors The return, which they
require of us, for their services and sacrifices
is heart replete with love Of country, and that
we will endeavor, by all means in our power, 10
render our beloved constitution and coniedera-
cy durable as time. Let US all swear eternal
fidelity to our country and.that we will keep sa-
crsd in our hearts the Dure fame of patriotism,