Wisconsin herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1846-1849, 1849-01-13
THE LATE JONATHAN GooDHUE.

before, aud addressed TO bis family, when
forms such mirror of the man, and con-
tains SO much that is interesting and valua-
Bile to us and the community, that any scru-
pie of reserve has given way before the ur-
gency which has sought its publication on
the present occasion. 1t may be considered
as MIR. Goodhue's dying testament; as 1t Is
next to his good name, the most precious
bequessleit 10 his children N. Z. Es.
Born on the 2lst of June, 1888, am
now well advanced on my Goth year. This
fact, of itself, would remind me that the
end cannot probably he very far oil; but
beside, have for about two years pass oe-
casionally found an oppression Of the chest
on moveing quickly, which seems TO Indi-
cate some defangelnent In the action of the
heart, and this difficulty, think, has mate
rally increased within few weeks
Wishing to offer some observations for the
use OF my dear wife and children, should
be suddenly removed from them, have set
down the thoughts that occur 10 me.
First, then, thank Heaven that my LOT
has been cast III this age and IN this land
i say, III this age, for although the eVils
that exists are abundant, yet think there
has been great gain IN the general recOgni-
ton among numerous portion OF the M
teligent part OF society OF the importance
OF tue great principles of peace, temperance
and respect Tor the rights OF Others and
ia my own country these principles are
more prevalent, think, than N any other,
aud there is, moreover, think, this further
encouraging view, that they are constantly
making progress throughout the commute
~. take this view also that the conditions
" hch 20 TO giving man the consideration
OF his fellow-creatures--to which we all
Justly attach a value--haye more reference
TO the essentials Of character, as intelligence
and virtue, and are more independent OF the
extraneous circumstances OF OiflcIal position
family, connection, or great wealth. ne
advantage OF these accidents are OF no
comparable importance here, w'lh what
they are IN the other countries oi the world,
aDd thus temptations to draw men aside are
accordingly so much the less dangerous"
Alter expressing his gratitude for the do
mestc ties, aud the happiness oi MS home
he says:--
"ln those in whom my happiness is more /
Immediately concerned, what equivalent I
could there be for a departure from life of
uprightness J" and then continues: In
looking back on my own course OF life,
!
while desiring humbly to acknow Wedge the
insufliccncy OF my own merits, yet have
great reason TO rejoice, that growing up UNI
der the influence OF the good and the pure,
1 have escaped many evils where others I
have been less fortunate. have often mem |
TONED that, among my associates in my
native town, (oalem,) scarcely ever heard /
proiane word"
Z" ought 10 account il another crcum-
stance oil thanktuluess that had the advan-
tage in early iiie OF lmhIhing aud cultiva-
ting sentiments OF perfect federation and
charity for the religious op,nnns oi others
30 that have never for u moment felt the
slightest RESTRAINT IN cherlshlug ull good will
toward the worthy aud good of whatever
sect OF determination they might be. At an
early period OF ny life | was thrown for
several months exclusively IN the society of
Mahomcdans aud brahniil., aud there were
many among them with whom mutual re-
gard subslsted. Mere opinion II squaring
even with my own notions OF truth, have
ever considered as far less important than
right motives. wish To cherish the most
DEVOTED reverence for the great umnipoteni,
omniprosent, and perfect Being-the great
first cause, the creator, and ruler ol the uni
verse, our father, preserver, aud henciactor
aud to keep habltually Ia view the ohliga-
ton owe TO hun OF perfect obedience IN all
things. What these duties are think is
more plainly shown in the life aud precepts
of the Great Teacher, and wish accor-
dinghy, to set all value upon them. These
he has said are essentially love 10 God aud
love 10 man.
In reference TO the style of living, !
wish to advise my children against every
thing like extravaganza, however much they
may happen To be favored with the means
of indulgence. Thugs comfortable, ii they
can afford il, would not withhold but
should consider IL u rule, never tn be dcpar-
ted from, that, so far as display should be
the object, they should meter exceed ~ tho
slightest degree the rule which should pre-
vail among the wise and prudent. An IN
fniteiy more deserving object ol their re-
gard, 10 the bestowmen, OF their superiiu-
Gus means, should be, think, the aiding
of the great cause of Learning aud Science.
! have no doubt that the tendency OF so
ciety Is TO lessen the distinctions ot rank As
regards the accidents of birth and station,
and tina, the great principle OF equality Is
10 make progress IN the world and when
growing cut of high civilization IL IS hail
ed with all welcome. The overthrow of
almost any of the institutions of society by
violence, shonld Ls disposed 10 drprecaie
and | am disposed TO abhor rcFolgtleHs, bat
20 cherish rsI,sT.GlioRs every where.
:. In reference TO the closing scene in this
world, wish 60 express my desire that
Ihere be no parade connected with the tu-
neral performances. Ii would Be- my desire
that none but the immediate relatives and
friends should be called together when the
usual religions Serylct.S shonl1 a., neri,artnpI
and that nos more Than q single carriage
should follow the iearse To the cemetery"
Afler bidding adiea to his family, with