The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1848-05-06


That IL may be less sad and drear--
Less happy wien alonef
Fraser's Magazine.
Rxtracs from Gov. seward's Grafton en- abe
Death st Jeha Quincy Adams.
The model by which JOHN QuIScY AD-
ANS, formed his character was CICERO
Not the living CIcERo, sometimes inconsiS-
tent often irreSolule; too often seeming to
act a studied part, and always cOvetons OF
applause. But CICERO, as he aimed 10 be,
and as he appears revealed in those immor-
tai carnations Of his genius which have
been the delight and guide Of intellect aud
virtue in every succeeding age. Like the
Roman, ADAMS was an orator, but he did
not fall into the error Of the Roman, in
practically vsluing elOquence more than the
benefcence to which it should BE- devoted.
Like him, he was Statesman and Magis-
trale, worthy TO be called "fhe second
Founder Of the Republic, like him, a
teacher Of Didactic Philosophy, of morals,
and even OF his own peculiar art; and like
him, he made all liberal learning tributary
to that noble art, while Poetry was the in
separable companion OF his genius in its
hours Of relaxation from the labors of the
Forum and OF the Capitol.
Like him, be loved only the society Of
good men, and by his generous praise Of
such, illustrated the Romans beautiful aph-
orism, that no one can be envious Of good
deeds, who has confidence in his own viz
tue. Like CICERO he kept himself I'M
stained by social OF domestic vices; preserv-
ed serenity and cheerfulness cherished ha-
bitual reverence for the Deity, and dwelt
continually, rot on the mystic theology Of
the schools, but on the hopes Of better
LIE. He lived in what will be regarded as
the virtuous age OF his country, while CIcE-
no was surrounded by an overwhelming de
generacy. He had the light Of Christianity
Tor his guide; and its sublime motives as in
elements TO virtue: while CIcERo had only
the confused instructions Of the Grecian
Schools, and saw nothing certainly attaina
able bat present applause and future fame.
In moral courage, therefore, he excelled his
model and nvalled Caro-. But Caro- was
a visionary, who insisted upon his right to
act always without reference to the condi
don Of mankind, as he should have acted
in PLATo's imaginary Republic. ADAMS
stood in this respect midway between the
impracticable Stole and the too flexible
Academician. He had no occasion TO say,
as the GIecian orator did, that if he had
sometimes acted contrary to himself, he had
never acted contrary to the Republic; but
he might Justly have said, as the noble Ro-
man did, al have rendered to my country all
the great services which she was willing 10
receive at nv hands, and have never har.
bored thought concerning her that was
not divine"
More fortunate than Cicero, who fell
a victim 10 civil wars which he could moi
avert, ADAMS was permitted to finger on
the earth, until the generations Of that fu,
ture age, for whom he had lived and to
whom he had appealed from the condemna
ton Of contemporaries, came up before the
curtain which had shut out has sight, and
pronounced over him, as he was sinking in.
TO the grave, their Judgment Of Approval
and Benediction.
The distinguished characteristics OF his
lile were BENEFicEST LABOR and PERSON.
AL cOSTENTMEST. He never sought wealth,
but devoted himself to the service Of man.
kind. Yet by the practice Of frugality and
method, he secured the enjoyment Of deal
ing forth continually no stinted charities,
and died in ailoence. He never solicited
place or prefement, and had no partizan
combinations or even connections; yet he
received hOnOTs which elnded the covet.
Gus grasp Of those who formed parties, re.
warded friends and prescribed enemies; and
he filled longer period OF varied and dis
tinguished service than ever fell 20 the lol
Of any other citizen. In every stage Of thi:
progress he was CONTENT. He was con
tent to be President, Minister, Representa-
tive or Citizen.
Stricken in the midst OF this service, II
the very act of rising to debate, he fell int
the arms Of Conscript Fathers Of the Re
public. A long lethaTgy supeTened anC
oppressed his senses. Nature rallied IN,
wasting powers. on the verge Of the grave
for a very brief period. But il was lOnl
enough for him. The re-kindled eye show
ed that the re-cOllected mind was clear
calm and vigorous. His weeping family
and ms sonowing comPeers were there. ii,
surveyed the scene, and knew at once 10
fatal import. He had left no duty upper
formed; he had no wish unsatisfed; no am
bihon unattained; no regret, no sorrow, M
fear, no TemOrse. He could not shake OF
the dews Of death that gathered on hi
brow. lie could not pierce the thick shade
that rose up before him. But he knew tina
Eternity lay close by the shores Of Time
He knew that his Redeemer lived. Flo
quence, even in that hour, inspired hin
with his ancient sublimity of utterance
this" said the dying man, Tins rs TN,
END or EAKrH," He paused for momen
and then added, al AM cosrENr." Angel
might well draw aside the curtains OF In,
skies TO look down on such a scene,
scene that approximaied even to that seem
Of unapProachable sublimily, not 70 be re
called without reverence, when in morta
agony, OEE who spake as never MAJ
sPske, said, "lr as FISIsHED."