100 Biographical, Account of S. Tennant, Esq. [Ave 
original, thinkers, he bestowed little attention on books-of opinion 
or theory ; but chiefly confined himself to such as abound in facts, 
and afford the materials for speculation. His reading for many 
years had been principally directed to accounts of voyages and 
travels, especially those relating to Oriental nations ; and there was 
no book. of this description, possessing even tolerable merit, with 
which he was not familiarly conversant. His acquaintance with, 
such works had supplied him with a great fund of original and 
curious information, which he employed with much judgment and 
ingenuity, in exemplifying many of his particular opinions, and 
illustrating the most important doctrines in the philosophy of com- . 
merce, and government, 
Of his leading practical opinions, sufficient intimations have been 
given in the course of the preceding narrative. They were of a 
liberal and enlightened cast, and such as might be expected from 
the character of his genius and understanding. Among them must 
be particularly mentioned an ardent, but rational, zeal for civil 
liberty ; which was not, in him, a mere effusion of generous feeling, 
but the result of deep reflection and enlarged: philosophic views. 
His attachment to, the general principles of freedom originated 
from his, strong conviction of their influence in promoting the 
wealth and happiness, of nations. A due regard! to, these principles 
he considered as the. only solid foundation of the most important 
blessings of social, life, and as the peculiar cause of: that distin-. 
guished. superiority, which our own country so happily enjoys among 
the. nations of Europe. 
Of his moral, qualities, it is scarcely) possible to speak too highly. 
He described himself as naturally. passionate and irascible, and:as. 
roused) to, indignation, by, any act of oppression or wanton exercise of 
power. ‘The latter feeling he always retained, and it formed a dis- 
tinguishing feature of his character. Of his irritability, a few traces: 
might occasionally be: discovered); but they were only slight and 
momentary. His virtuous: dispositions appeared on every occasion, 
and. in, every form, which the tranquil and retired, habits. of his: life 
would, admit of. He had a high sense of honour and duty ; ang 
was remarkable for benevolence and: kindness, especially towards hig 
inferiors,and dependents. But-his merits: were. most conspicuous im 
the intercourse of; social life. His:amiable temper, and unaffected 
desire. of giving pleasure, no less than. his: superior knowledge: and} 
talents, had rendered, him. highly-acceptable to a numerous and. dis- 
tinguished, circle of society, by whom he was justly valued, andyis: 
now most sincerely lamented; But the real extent of his, private 
worth, the genuine simplicityand virtuous:independence of his:cha-. 
racter, and the sincerity, warmth, and constancy of his friendship, 
can only. be felt and estimated by those, to whom he was: long and 
intimately known, and to whom the recollection of his talents:and* 
virtues must always remain a pleasing, though melancholy, bond of 
union, 
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