6 which it has supported me; and for the opportunities I have thence enjoyed of manifesting my inviolable attachment, by services faithful and persevering, though in usefulness unequal to my zeal. If benefits have resulted to our country from these services, let it always be remembered to your praise, as an instructive example in our annals, that under circumstances in which the passions, agitated in every direction, were liable to mislead; amidst appearances sometimes dubious; vicis. situdes of fortune often discouraging; in situations in which, not unfrequently, want of success has countenanced the spirit of criticism; the constancy of your >support was the essential prop of the efforts and a guarantee of the plans by which they were effected. Profoundly penetrated with this idea, I shall carry it with me to my grave, as a strong incitement to unceasing vows that Heaven may continue to you the choicest tokens of its beneficence; that your union and brotherly affection may be perpetual; that the free constitution, which is the work of your hands, may be sacredly maintained; that its administration in every de partment may be stamped with wisdom and virtue; that, in fine, the happiness of the people of these States, under the auspices of liberty, may be made complete, by so careful a preservation and so prudent a use of this blessing, as will acquire to them the glory of recommending it to the applause, the affection, and adoption of every nation which is yet a stranger to it. Though in reviewing the incidents of my administration, I am unconscious of intentional error; I am nevertheless too sensible of my defects not to think it probable that I may have committed many errors. Whatever they may be, I fervently beseech the Almighty to avert or mitigate the evils to which they tend. I shall also carry with me the hope that my country will never cease to view them with indulgence; and after forty-five years of my life dedicated to its service, with an upright zeal, the faults of incompetent N 2 abilities abilities will be consigned to oblivion, as myself must! soon be to the mansions of rest. Relying on its kindness in this as in other things; and actuated by that fervent love towards it, which is so natural to a man who views in it the native soil of himself and his progenitors for several generations, I anticipate with pleasing expectation that retreat, in which I promise myself to realize, without alloy, the sweet enjoyment of partaking, in the midst of my fellow-citizens, the benign influence of good laws under a free government; the ever favorite object of my heart, and the happy reward, as I trust, of our mutual cares, labors and dangers. DIALOGUE ON THE CHOICE OF BUSINESS FOR LIFE. Edward. Enter EDWARD, CHARLEY, and THOMAS. IT Tappears to me high time for us to choose our business for life. Our academical studies will soon be completed; and I wish to look a little forward. What say you? am I right? Charley. It may be well for you: poor men's sons must look out for themselves. My father is able to support me at my ease; and my mamma says she would rather. sce me laid in a coffin than shut up in a study, spoiling my eyes and racking my brains, plodding over your nonsensical minister, doctor, and lawyer books; and I am sure she would never have me confined behind a counter, or a merchant's desk. She intends I shall be brought up a gentleman. My mother is of noble blood, and she don't intend that I shall disgrace it. Edw. Pray, master Charley, who was the father of your noble-blooded mother? Char. A gentleman, I'd have you to know. Edw. Yes, a gentleman cobler, to my knowledge. Char. Aye, he followed that business, to be sure, sometimes, to stop the clamour of the vulgar. Then poor poor people could not bear to see a rich man living at his ease, or give a nobleman his title. But times are altering for the better, my mamma says: the rich begin to govern now. We shall soon live in style, and wear titles here as well as in England. She intends to send over and get my coat of arms, and she hopes to add a title to them. Edw. High style! titles! and coats of arms! fine things in America, to be sure! Well, after all, I can't really disapprove of your mamma's plan. A lapstone, an awl, and shoe-hammer will make a fine picture, and may appear as well in your mother's parlour, as in her father's shop: and the title of cobler, or shoe-maker would well become her darling Charley. Char. I will not be insulted on account of my grandfather's employment, I'll have you to know! I have heard my mother say, her father was grandson of an aunt of 'squire Thorn, who once had a horse that, run a race with the famous horse of a cousin of the Duke of Bedford, of. Edw. Quite enough! I am fully convinced of the justice of your claim to the title of Duke, or whatever you please. About as much merit in it, I perceive, as in your father's title to his estate. Ten thousand dollars drawn in a lottery! already two thirds spent. A title to nobility derived from the grandson of an aunt of 'quire Thorn, from 'squire Thorn's horse, or perhaps from some monkey, that has been a favorite playmate with the prince of Wales. These are to be the support of your ease and honor through life. Well, I believe there is no need of your troubling yourself about your future employment: that is already determined. Depend upon it, you will repent of your folly, or scratch a poor man's head as long as you live. I advise you to set about the former, in order to avoid the latter. Char. I did not come to you for advice. I'll not bear your insults, or disgrace myself with your company any longer. My parents shall teach you better manners. [Exit Charley. Thomas. I pity the vanity and weakness of this poor lad. But reflection and experience will teach him the fallacy of his hopes. Edw. Poor child; he does not know that his lot tery money is almost gone; that his father's house is mortgaged for more than it is worth; and that the only care of his parents is to keep up the appearance of present grandeur, at the expense of future shame. Happy for us, that we are not deluded with such deceitful hopes. Tho. My parents were poor; not proud. They experienced the want of learning; but were resolved their children should share the benefit of a good education. I am the fourth son, who owe the debt of filial gratitude. All but myself are well settled in business, and doing honor to themselves and their parents. If I fall short of their example, I shall be most ungrateful. Edw. I have neither father nor mother to excite my gratitude, or stimulate my exertions. But I wish to behave in such a manner, that if my parents could look down and observe my actions, they might approve my conduct. Of my family, neither root nor branch remains all have paid the debt of nature. They left a name for honesty; and I esteem that higher than a pretended title to greatness. They have left me a small farm, which, though not enough for my support, will with my own industry, be sufficient. For employment, to pass away the winter season, I have determined upon keeping a school for my neighbours' children. The Tho. I heartily approve of your determination. Our mother Earth rewards, with peace and plenty, those, who cultivate her face; but loads, with anxious cares, those, who dig her bowels for treasure. life you contemplate is favorable to the enjoyment of social happiness, improvement of the mind, and security of virtue; and the task of training the tender mind is an employment, that ought to meet the encouragement, the gratitude of every parent, and the respect of every child. Edry Edw. I I am pleased that you approve my choice. Will you frankly tell me your own? Tho. I will: my intention is to follow the inclination of my kind parents. It is their desire that I should be a preacher. Their other sons have taken to other callings; and they wish to see one of their children in the desk. If their prayers are answered, I shall be fitted for the important task. To my youth, it appears formidable; but others, with less advantages, have succeeded, and been blessings to society, and an honor to their profession. Edw. You have chosen the better part. Whatever the licentious may say to the contrary, the happiness of society must rest on the principles of virtue and religion; and the pulpit must be the nursery, where they are cultivated. Tho. -The pulpit ; And I name it, fill'd with solemn awe, There stands Must stand acknowledg'd, while the world shall stand, Its thunders, and by him, in strains as sweet My heart glows with the subject; and if my abilities could equal my zeal, I could at least hope to realize the sublime character so beautifully drawn by Cowper. Edw. It is a laudable ambition to aim at eminence in religion, and excellence in virtue. SPEECH |