The native American. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1840, 1839-05-25

Il
was intimately connected with one real Christian,
We know nothing of the character of the lady
from other sources; and here we have only the
statements Of man, who, with all his excellen,
and estimable qualities, was yet an unbeliever.
Yet he furnishes some facts, that certainly indi-
cate the existence of Christian principles; and the
whole tenor Of her life, as here displayed, would
encourage the same belief. The extract is from
"a letter written by Lafayette TO Latour Mabourg,
lin $685. a #&8.
"During thirty-four years of union in which
her tenderness, her goodness, her elevation, her
delicacy, the generosity Of her soul, charmed,
embellished, did honor to my life, was so ac-
customed to all that she was to me, that did not
distinguish her from my own existence. She
was fourteen years old, and was sixteen, when
her heart amalgamated itself with all which
could interest me. thought loved her that
could not do without her--but it was only when
had lost her, that was able to discover what re-
mains to me, for the close Of life which had
been SO diversified, and for which, nevertheless,
there remains no longer either happiness or even
content Though she was attached to me, may
say so, by the most passionate sentiment, / never
perceived in her the lightest shade of authoritative
ness, (derigence) or discomfort; never any thing
which did not leave me the entire freedom in all
my undertakings. And if go back to the days
Of our youth, find in her traits Of unexampled
delicacy and generosity. You saw her, always
associated, heart and soul, in all my sentiments,
my political wishes, enjoying every thing which
might convey honor on me, still more, as she
would say, what made me to be wholly known,
and more than all, clarifying in those occasions
when she saw me sacrifice glory to sentiment Of
goodness. Her aunt, Madame Jesse, said to
me yesterday, Il never could have imagined that
one could be such fanatic for your opinions,
and yet free from party spirit Indeed her at
tachment to our doctrines never for a moment
abated her indulgence, her compassion, her good
will, for persons of another party. She never
was soured by the violent hatred of which was
the object; the il-treatment and injurious conduct
toward me, were regarded by her as follies indif-
ferent to her. from the point from which she look
ed at them, and where her good opinion chose
to place me.
''Here was most entire devotion. may say
that during thirty-four years, never suffered for
moment the shadow of restraint, that all her
habits were, without afectation, subordinate to
my convenience; that had the satisfaction to
see my most scepcal friends as constantly receiv-
ed, as well beloved as much esteemed, and their
virtues as completely acknowledged, as if there
had been no difference of religious opinion--that
she never expressed any other sentiments than
that of hope, that in continuing to reflect, with
the uprghtness of heart which she knew belong
ed to me, should finally be convinced. 1t was
with this feeling she leftme her last regards, beg
Iging me TO read, for the love other, some books,
which shall certainly examine again with new
interest," and calling her religion, to make me love
| it better, perfect freedom. She often expressed
to me the thought that she should go TO Heaven,
and dare add that this idea was not sufficient to
reconcile her to quitting met She often said to
me, Life is short, full of troubles, may we meet
again in God. May we pass eternity toge,her.--
She wished me, she wished us all, the peace Of
the Lord. Sometimes she was heard praying in
herbed. One of her last nights there was some
thing celestial in the manner in which she rected
twice in succession, with firm voice, passage
of Scripture applicable to her situation, the same
passage which she recited to her daughter on per-
|ceiving the spires Of Olmutz. Shall / speak to
you Of the pleasure, ever renewed, which an en-
tire confidence in her gave me, which was never
exacted, which was received at the end Of three
months as at the first day, which was justified by
discretion proof against all things, by an admi-
rable understanding of all my feelings, my wants,
and the wishes of my heart All this was min
gled with sentiment so tender, an opinion so ex-
allied, worship, if dared SO speak, SO sweet and
fattering, more especially gratifying, as coming
from the most perfectly natural and sincere person
swho ever lived"