Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1847-07-15
FOR THE JEFFERsONIAN REPUBLICAN,.
Goldsmith.

I, is one OF the bes, feelings Of our nature,
wi hich prompts US to study the history Of those
who have contributed to our happiness. TO
feel pleasure ia The contemplation Of their vir-
ues. and pain at the exhibition of their lolles
10 be moved by their misgorlunes, aad to rejoice
a, their prosperity, are the sure indications OF
a generous heart AS long as such feelings find
home in the bosoms of men, the names OF their
benefactors will live Some indeed in their scru-
puleus regard for the welfare of mankind, weuid
promptly consign to oblivion the memories OF all
but snea of rigid and spotless virtue. But their
efforts can never be successful for there is some
thing in the harmless infrmities of poor human
nature that pleads touchngly to the feelings, and
the heart yearns towards the object OF our admira-
ton, when we find that like ourselves he is mortal
and is frail."
Oliver Goldsmith as promoter of literature, is
entitled TO our warmest gratitude. Genius bestow-
ed upon him her choicest gifts that he might bless
mankind, and he aever betrayed has trust. We
raay gather frem his writings literature, which
neither pnhely passions, nor sceptical specula-
tions, have poisoned. We may fearlessly yield
ourselyes TO his fascination, and taste pleasure
which will soothe without intoxicating. We may
render our highes, admiration to his poetic strains
while we need worship no idol of his fancy; and
while his productions are free from such baneful
influences, they are radiant with beauties, which
secured their Immortality.
Many with few accomplishments in letters, have
shoue with great lustre by the mere force OF their
genius, yet rarely have such men aided in promo
ting the advancement of literature. Its improve
ments have been chiefly due to men of extensive
erudition This speaks to the praise of Goldsmith,
for without extraordinary research, by his genius
alone he greatly adorned and enriched the itera-
fure of England. With an ease and simplicity Of
style which are the last attanments of art, with
pathos and elevation of feeling which are breathed
only by gifted spirits, there is in his writings
power which never fails 10 take possession OF the
heart To enter the sphere of his charms is to be
captivated without resistance.
Like all great poets he loved nature with an un-
diving passion but he loved her in her beauty,
rather than in her sublimity, and either viewed
with ecstacy her sweet and placid repose, or cour-
ted her with penslve enthusiasm in the desolation
of " Deserted village" Nor does he address
the imagination alone; with irresistible power he
carries nature home to the heart. He deeply i'm
bibed her delicious enchantments, and described
them with poets eloquence
The gifts of Heaven are adapted to the diyersl-
fed wants of man. Thus it is with respect to
those master spirits who are clothed with unc0m-
mon powers of affecting our happiness. Some
are possessed Of strength of intellect which quail
ifes them for welding the weapons of argument
against the enemies of truth. Others are capable
by the exercise of more brilan, powers, of adding
to the wholesome refinement of society. 1t is the
lot Of Goldsmith to belong to the latter class and
in it, he enjoys princely eminence.
In rejecting that he was native OF oppressed,
and unhappy Ireland, we cannot but regard MIN
with increased interest, and wonder at the genius
which under such adverse circumstances, could
burst forth to shine with brilliancy which has
astonished the world. Born in land ofpeculiar
virtues, he seemed to unite all the generous quail
ties ofhis countrymen. The humanity of his dispo-
sition, the unaffected simplicity of his heart, and
his acute sensibility were conspicuous On all oc-
| casions.
He delighted in the scenes which the life OF a
traveller affords, and we find him at an early age
gratifying this impulse of his nature. There Is
perhaps no even. in his life, which invests him
with more interest than this. We cannot read o.
his solitary wanderngs through cities and villages
at one time entertained at the palace of the rich
and at another seeking hospitality at the cottage
of the peasant; now attracting attention by ms
philosophical disputes. and now delighting the ea
with the melodious strains of his flute, without be
ing reminded of some strange romance. We re
gard with interest great poet, going forth to range
over the earth, gazing with rapture upon the spien
did monuments Of antiquity, OF enjoying the sweets
OF society equally in the wild solitudes of nature
as in the magnficence of art. Mankind have reapec
the fruits OF his wanderngs i'll his Traveller,
which ike beautiful panorama, presents pros
pect of universal society, drawn by the experienced
hand Of Citizen Of the World.'
The faults of Goldsmith were so combined witt
the sweetest virtues, that TO look upon them is t.
!, forgive them. Though we may lament the frail
ties, we caanot despse the man. We may justl
) regard him as one Of those exceedingly rare an
: attractive characters whom we love without de
J string TO initiate.
Some Yankee adventurer has sold number @