21 



/ 



that it was probably one of the best^ that human wisilom could 



devise. 



THE character of Mr. Bowdoin has hitherto been principally 

 considered in those points of view, in which he has been placed 

 by his public stations. But the history of his private life is no 

 less honorable to himself, nor less useful and instructive to the 

 world. He early established for himself a system of order, which 

 enabled him through a life, greatly conversant with public af- 

 fairs, to possess a dignified leisure. He was never undidy press- 

 ed for time, to perform all his duties ; to gratify the bent of his 

 speculative taste for literary pursuits j or to solace himself in his 

 rational amusements with his domestic connections. The same 

 order enabled him so to conduct his property as to avoid confu- 

 sion and w^aste, and to be ever ready to apply it to the purposes 

 of hospitality and beneficence. 



9 



HE was an open and unreserved professor of the christian reli- 

 gion, and in the form usually practised in this country. He was 

 not ostentatious, enthusiastic, or intolerant ; but it was on reli- 

 gion as the firmest basis, that he rested all his hopes, and from 

 which he derived his consolation. He was a friend to the clergy, 

 7iot onlu of his own religious denomination, but of all others. He 

 received them with courtesy ; he encouraged them with his coun- 

 tenance, and he frequently relieved their pecuniary difficulties. 

 They repaid him with affection ; and they have shown a respect 

 for his memory by the afllictlou which they unaffectedly exhibit 

 at his death. 



F 



I MIGHT 



• 



