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and persevering eiForts to do what is right. Other and more exalted 

 motives for good conduct, besides and above the policy of it, are 

 experienced in a self-approving conscience, and the tranquil feeling 

 of satisfaction, if not of elevated enjoyment. Should it happen now 

 and then that disappointment of positive reward follows proper 

 actions, the monitor within is a lasting and more than sufficient 

 equivalent. 



In proceeding to discharge, however imperfectly, the duty I am 

 called upon to perform, the course of reflection which has been 

 submitted, seemed not inappropriate as preliminary; and could 

 scarcely escape the mind of one who was long in friendly relations 

 with the subject of this obituary notice. He was a striking proof of 

 merit and success in apt and ordinary coincidence. A record of his 

 course of life becomes appropriate to this Society. It is history 

 teaching by example, which is a rich department of the science of 

 philosophy. A familiar acquaintance with his character and his 

 pursuits, which were always in consistency with it, will not be an 

 unprofitable lesson. His conduct was such, that although not many 

 of his contemporaries may be found to resemble him, yet an imita- 

 tion of it, while worthy of the efforts of the most ambitious, need not 

 be avoided by any extreme of modesty. Without resorting to any 

 violent efforts, either in transactions of business and the performance 

 of duty, or in the exhibitions of voluntary usefulness, he appeared to 

 reach the desired ends, by steady and well-directed pursuit. Per- 

 haps the very absence of excessive effort was, unconsciously to him- 

 self, one of the efficient causes of their being attained. A mind and 

 body gently stimulated to moderate but adequate activity by due 

 self-reliance, and happy in the continual exercise of it, under the 

 guidance of integrity and good feeling, but avoiding errors that are 

 too commonly consequences of undue zeal and precipitancy, are the 

 most likely to succeed. The possessor of them, to quote from high 

 authority, is '' like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bring- 

 eth forth his fruit in his season ; his leaf also shall not wither, and 

 whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." Discretion is the essence of 

 wisdom. It is the master key that ought to unlock fortune's casket. 

 This golden rule is as ancient as it is general and true. In applica- 

 tion and exercise, it is nearly as multiplied as the families of the 

 huuian race. All history confirms, and experience exhibits to the 

 concurring sense of the wise and virtuous, that to be discreet is to 

 deserve if not to command good fortune. 



It is a remarkable circumstance that in what was probably the last 



