The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1844-08-30

A Truly GREAT MANA few years since, q gentle
man travelling in Virginia, at the close % the day
stopped at public house to pass the night. He had
but just alghted, when old man arrived in his gig
with the apparent intention OF becoming his fellow
guest The courtesles OF plain honest strangers passed
between them, and they entered the tavern Soon
after an addition Of several young gentlemen was
made TO their number. As soon as they were lit
tie rested and refreshed, the conversation was turned
by one of those TO eloquent harangue that day
made at the bar. 1t was replied by another Of the
young men, that he witnessed the same day an exhi-
0luon OF eoquence no doubt equal, but that il was
from the pulpi. Something Ike a sarcastic reioin-
der was made to the eoqueDce Of the pulpit and
debate ensued, IN which the merits Of the Christian
religion were freely discussed Meanwhile the O d
gentleman listened with all The meekness of a child
as II ding new treasures TO tie stores of bis own
mind, or perhaps with patriotic emotion rejecting on
the iuture desnes OF hs country and the rising ge-
neratlon upon whom these deslinies must devolye
when he should be sleeping with the honored dead
Or mos probably with sentiment Of moral and reli-
glous concern ard benevolence he was adjusting an
argument which Characteristic Of hmseli) no So
phlstry would be able TO resist The traveller first
named renamed spectator taking no art IN what
said.
AT length one Of the young men, remarking that i,
was vain 10 combat with the prejudices Of early edu
cation, wheeled round, and with an air Of familiarity
exclaimed, wei, my old gentleman what think
you of these things 7" IT, says the traveller flash
OF llgitnins from heaven had come upon them their
amazement could not have been greater than il was
with what followed.
Such an Overwhelming strain Of calm affection
ate, clear and dignhed eloquence as proceeded from
the old man, be and probably his young companions
had never before heard. Every argument which had
been advanced against Christianity, was fully over
thrown; Hume's sophistry on The subject OF mira
Giles, was, II possible, more completely answered
than IT had been by Campbell. And 10 this timely
lecture OF The old man, there was so much Of honest
simplicity and energy, such a1ectionste pathos and
sublmlty, that not word in reply was uttered
1t was now matter Of deep curiosity aud wonder,
who this old gentleman could be- I he first impress
sion oil the traveller was, that II be the Preacher
from whom the pulpit eloquence had been heard But
-no-tw was not he-nor the Blind Preacher of Vir-
gina 50 cloquently described by Mr. WRIT was
John Marshall, Chef Justice Of the United States
These well authenticated incidents in the history
OF great man, are surely worthy OF being reiterated
especially as memento TO the young aud prouJ-
How many Writings of science, intoxicated perhaps
by " Tue learning might be proited for both
worlds, by inv, stgstng this alllmportsnt subject
with something of the modesty, simplicity and pa
uenoe which ever characterized that distinguished
man! How many, now living comparatively useless.
and aiming at nothing generous or noble, might be
preparing, like him, to enjoy the confidence and gra-
utude OF their generation, and like him. to shine for
ever among the purest and wsest Of celestial in,ell
gences.-.N y Jour Of Com