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22 



I ivnGHT with the strictest truth, point out many other ex- 

 cellent traits in his character, but to those who knew him, their 

 own kpowledge will supply the deficiency ; and with those who 

 did not, I might incur the censure of deviating from the rules 

 prescribed me. It may be said that our country has produced 

 many men of as much genius ; many men of as much learning 

 and knowledge ; many of as much zeal for the liberties of their 

 country, and many of as great piety and virtue. But, is it not 

 rare indeed, to find those in whom they have all combined, and 

 been adorned with his other accomplishments ? 



j' 



WE now approach to that scene, in which all men must at last 

 act. The wise^ and the foolish ; the learned, and the ignorant ; 

 statesmen, and men in humble life, are here placed on a level ; yet 

 it is in that scene, in which, whatever characters they have borne, 

 or have assumed, the mask, if any they have worn, must drop for- 

 ever. Mr. Bowdoin, still in the possession of the undebilitated 

 powers of his mind, and when his friends promised themselves 

 much from his experience and examj)le, was attacked by a most 

 painful and fatal disorder, under which he lived several months, 

 but in the full view of approaching death. Let us draw near 

 his couch : We shall there see him suffering the most excruciat- 

 ing pain ; but sustaining it with fortitude ; revising that disposi- 

 tion of his temporal affairs, which his love of order, had induced 

 him to make in health ; his heart overflowing with gratitude for 

 the blessings he, had enjoyed; willing to live, but not afraid to 



die ; his hopes lively and animated ; not supported by any vi- 



sionary dreams of enthusiasm, but by the' rational behef of the 



religion 



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