The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1846-07-21
LIFE OF HON. NATHANIEL CHIP.
NAN. BY DANIEL CHIPMAN.


In the hasty and very brief notice we took
oil this work last week, we were unable 10
say all its merits demanded. The work over
looking some minor errors in Typography
and punctuation, is well and handsomely st-
ecu'ed' and IS tribute justly and deservedly
que 10 the memory Of one ofihe ablest of the
pubic men OF Vermont. Indeed we have
often heardsIt said by those who personally
knew and were familiar with Judge Chirman
10 the latter part Of his public life, that
Tor ability and learning he was entitled to
rank among the very first men this country
mas ever produced. This, TO be sure, is high
praise; but we think that the work before US
contains ample evidence that it is praise not
exaggerated. but well and Justly merileG.-
Learned as he undoubtedly was, in none of
his productions. neither in his Judicial opin-
IONS or treaties on gosenaemt, published
many years ago, nor in the speeches and wri-
IIngs now for the first time presented to tho
public, is there the slightest appearance Of
any affectatlon or show Of learning. As is
generally the case with the truly learned man,
he made no parade Of his erudition. His
learning IS To he seen, in the general tenor Of
his thoughts and style.
His views of public conduct appear to have
u. IL
that he was not one Of that class who see no
connection between public virtue and private
morals, or who think that political reciituJe
has no dependence on personal integrity. In
manners, if we may trust to the regulations
given him by his contemporaries, he was plain
and transformations, never beirayiug in his
department any appearance Of vanity or AFRO
sance. In his demeanor on the bench il is
aasl hat l. r..
like affected dignity. or the showing of Of
consequences and superiority in abrupt re-
marks aud replies to counsel. We can read
lily see that habits Of this sort would rot be
natural TO mind OF real intellectual and NOR
al pre- cminence.
The work does not contain so many or
such variety Of incidents, either in the pri>
vate or public life of Judge Chapman, as the
reader nigh, desire to see, or as more time
and more minute and particular research into
his history might perhaps have made Il more
attractive and interesting; but the anthor
seems not to have been so desirou, to admin
i.ter TO curiosity Or amusement, as to afford
instruction. He has therefore avoided swell
ing the work with unessential matter. or in
deed with any thing not necessary TO the main
object Of the publication. For this object,
full and just development OF mind and char
acter, he bad materials enough at hand, and
he has used them worry judiciousIy. What
must strike the reader at once as a rare char
acterisIic in a work OF the kind, is the entire
absence Of everything like enIogy. Modesty
and good taste, with cFearness and manliness
Of thought and expression. prevadr the whols
biographical sketch. ! he work is not only
a credit to the author. whose capacity and
mental vigor seems to he in no degiee in
paired by his advanced age, bst il Is credit
TO the State Of which the subject Of the the
moir is distinguished ornament. Vermont
cannot be insensible or Indifferent TO the fame
Of her public men; for in sentiments Of gen
crosby and nagnanimity, as well as in Just
feeling Of State pride, though never boastfut
and ostentarious. she is not al all behind any
Of her sister States.
We had made several Interesting selections
from the work, some connected with the ear
ly history Of the State, winch we wonld glad
ly append 10 this notice, If we had sufficient
room; hut we must content ourselves with
shot exiracr, only. Nothing can be more
piihy and true, or better expressed. than the
following passage; and we give it preference
and place, because the character of our puri-
tan ancestors is in some important particulars
greatly mseOnceivef BY mary at this day.-
To such, so much truth, compressed in so few
words, may be both instructive and useful.
The staid habits Of the puritans were con-
tnued with little adulteration 10 the com
mencement OF the revolutionary war,-Etery-
thing with them was orderly and systematic.
In comparison with the religious character Of
their descendants. their religion was more
intellectual Great stress was laid ON ortho-
doxy-pn a clear understanding and stead
fast faith in the great doctrines Ofrhe gospel.
and less on the vividuess OF their religious
affections. As their religious affections were
less vivid, they were more uniform. rnore ha.
bitual, and thus became actuating motives,
and settled religious principles, by which
they we're governed in all The concerns Of life.
Public worship was PunctualIy attended on
the Sabbath; but with them, this was scar
cely more Of religious exercise, than the
government oftheir families the education Of
their children. industry in their several call
iDgs, honesty in their dealings, submission TO
The civil and ecclesiastical authorities. and the
performance Of all their moral duties.'-Yer-
mont Watchmdn.