Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1853-07-27
From Arthur's Home Ga zett.
SIR THOMAS MORE.

In times when want of principle and fai-
lures of integrity are 10 be Witnessed so
often in both political and private life. it
is trul ly refreshing to our spirit to turn the
records of history and contemplate the
character of some of those few excellent
ones, whose virtue no interest could bribe,
and whose lofty purpose no threats, nc
fears of loss of place, or votes or populari-
ty, and no party terrors could shake
There have been questions lately. before
some of our State Legislatures which have
tried mems souls, and brought to light
want of integrity which saddens many
hearts. Rum interests, and other inter
ests have brought strange influences into
operation. The integrity and courage of
Legislators have been assailed by threats
of having their names 'twiped from the
future political history of their State."--
And there is too much reason 10 think that
such despicable influences have prevailed
with some.
When such things tempt us to think
meanlyofhuman nature, we force ourselves
to turn to another aspect of that nature,
and of those who share it. We endeavor
TO Danish the unwelcome reflections which
obtrude themselves by calling TO remem-
brance some of the heroes of history who
were made of sterner stuff. Among our
favorite specimens of moral cour ,ge and
intiexible integrity, stands prominent
the name of Sir Thomas More. Perhaps
it may assist some of your readers TO re-
cover from the shock which the observa-
ton of human frailties and failing infiicts,
ifyou indulge me in sketching. in the brief
nSt 4 "a,
ofcharacter which have elevated Sir Thorn
as More SO near the pinnacle of moral he
roism.
= More was born in 1890. and fourished
in the reign of Henry VIII. He was lib.
orally educated, and had the reputation
of an elegant scholar; refined gentle-
man. and profound and learned lawyer
He lived in semi rural retirement at Chel-
sea, ,atown situated little above London on
the Thames. There his chiefluxuries were
the, charms Of nature, of domestic life, and
of reading and study, such as the age per-
mitted. His superior mind, manners and
accomplishments, made him favorite of
Henry Will, who used frequently TO vis-
it him, and cared not TO conceal his de-
light in the company of his subject. His
friends thought him highly honored by
these royal visits; but he esteemed them
but little as he had penetrated to the sell
fish and heartless character Of the king
With prophetic foresight. he early said
of Henry that he would cut off his head as
soon as visit him. If only his interests or
passions required it.
After the fall of Wolsey. Henry made
More Lord Chancellor-the higest judi
cial officer in England. He left his retire
nent with great reluctsnce. As judge.
in an age of great lieentious and general
corruption, he maintained an untarnish-
ed and answering uprightness. He ad-
ministered justice with unwonted impair
tiality. The rich had no advantage over
the poor in his court. One Of his sons-in-
law brought case before him doubling
not that he should win 1t through family
influence. More gave the verdict against
him..
When Henry was attempting 70 procure
the divorce.of his first queen. Catharine,
hesendeavored 70 use his renown Chancel-
lor so as To give the measure authority
aud respectability. But More saw the
whole preceding was both legally and
morally wrong. He would not be the
tool even of king, and 70 escape the de.
grading influences brought to bear upon
him, he resigned his Office. Henry fell
this rebuke of his course andneyerforgaye
him. While the kings vengeance waited
More was suffered to retire 20 his retreal
10 Chelsea. and there he gave himself uT
anew TO the delights Of his home. his gar
den. his studies He was especially font
of the society of Margaret. his beloved
daughter. The rebuked tyrant however
had marked him for vengance- A bill