Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1841-06-17
THURSDAY MORNING, JUNE IA, Isal.

of glory could ever have made him des-
pot or tyrant; for his spirit was emil
nently republcan-and no tyranny was
ever visible in his composition.
He sCas naturally man Of kind feelings
and benerofent impulses. Any atterapt
to prove this in community in which
he so long lived and moved, would DO SUI
perhuous. And even in the more distant
parts of our Union, the impression of his
beneyolence was co.ex.ensive with the
knowledge of his name. This was indeed
the trait in his character, which has pro-
duced so much real sorrow for his death.
For he had hold not only upon the re-
spect, but upon the affections of the peo-
pie. They felt that he was not only a
ruler, but friend-and that the humblest,
poorest man in an emergency might APP
proach him, sure of sympathy, and if
practicable, Of relief. Therefore it is,
that from lands end unto lands end,
among all classes, there is genuine mourn
! ing for his loss And with the solemn
services of this day, many heart will
heave sigh, and many an eye drop
tear to the memory Of the brave soldier,
patriot, statesman. the kind neighbor, the
peoples friend
Such is an imperfect sketch Of some
traits iu the character of the deceased.
And surely we NAV see much IN it to adj
mire and honor. That he had his failings
we have already minated and he may
have had faults to which we have made
no alIusion. But alas for all human
greatness or glory, if measured by the
highest rule or tested by the holIest mo-
tive Re.appealng, however, to the
comparative standard which we have al
ready set up, we confidently ask, where
is the public man Of his day who possess
ed so many noble traits? Consider the
moral hazards and temptations which he
and make due allowance for them. - Esii-
mate the qualities Of his head and heart !;
add his benevolent actions to his more
brilliant achievements and then place
him side by side with your heroes and
statesmen of any age or country
his friends may glory in the comparison
But here dropping the curtain to his ex.
world, let us proceed to inquire, under the
charitable light of the text, whether we
may not form
III. A hopeful estimate Of him as an
agowed belierer in the gospel. For proof
that he was such believer, it may suffice
to remind you of the solemn annunciation
Of his inaugural address. Facts, both an
terror and subsequent to the delivery Of
that address, tending to develop his reli-
gious character, have already been laid
before the public. We propose to supply
a few others Of similar character. And
it, in doing so, your preacher should seem
to be too minute, or TO speak too much OF
himself, his apology may be found in the
interest which is felt in the subject, and
the necessity of referring to pastoral inter-
course.
My acquaintance with Gen. Harrison
commenced six years ago, when | assum-
ed this pastoral charge. He was one oil
SIX individuals who met at private
house, about twenty-five years since, to
organize this parish. His attachment to
the church OF his fathers was decided, in
telIigent, and unequlvocalIy manifested
! wherever he went. But his spirit was
TOO large to be straitened or unduly con.
fined by ecclesiastical landmarks /; and
when he could not attend the church oil
his preference, he did fail to avail himself
of religious privileges afforded by other
evangelical denominations. For,
He lored to hear he word. W hen at
b;u T., rr, On he I axd,, lax, ba do
the ministrations ofthe nelghborhood; and
when in the city, which was frequently,
he was regularly in his place, morning
and evening, and in all weathers. No
one appeared to hear the truth with great
er interest and he heard with attention,
no matter who was the preacher. A fact
will illustrate this: On certain occasion
he attended service in his immediate
neighborhood, conducted by very Hitter
ate preacher. After returning, a member
of the family complained Of the sermon,
as dull and void Of interest. He gently
reproeed the complainer, adding that the
man had said many good things, and that
he was no doubt earnest and sincere.
And does not this incident, connected with
olUefS, luuicdt6 tno DoP. tHat NC HodI u
with the hearing earPf
Again: He was not only an attentive
hearer, but regular reader of the cord.
He perused the scriptures not only fire.
quently but stately. And he was par.
ticularIy fond oft the book of Psalms, which
he was accustomed to read according to
IFS arrangement for daily use in the Book
of Common Prayer. Wenee6 scarcely add
that these perusals of the word were &c
companIed by prayer. And surely we may
hope, that he was moved to such daily re-
sorts to the sacred volume, by spiritual
relish for it as the bread OF life
But farther: He took pleasure in the
more social, or less formal exercises Of
religion. When in the city, he seldom
faiIt d to attend the weekly meeting held
in the lecture room; and on one occasion
he sharply rebuked himselfin the presence
of number of his family for having for.
gotten il. Nor can we forbear to mention
The dwelling of Or. Daniel Drake.
I In Gen Harrison's letter duelling. publish
ed some time ago, there is reference to the follow
ing passage of scriptures for they loved the praise
of men more than the Draise of Cod He had