250 Memoir of the Life of Eli Whitney. 
course with the best society. He had an energy of character, which 
carried him through difficulties, too formidable for ordinary minds. 
“ With these advantages, he entered on the career of life. His 
efforts were crowned with success. An ample competency was the 
reward of his industry and skill. He had gained the respect of all 
elasses of the community. His opinions were regarded with pecul- 
jar deference, by the man of science, as well as the practical artist. 
His large and liberal views, his knowledge of the world, the wide 
range of his observations, his public spirit, and his acts of beneficence, 
had given him a commanding influence in society. ‘The gentleness 
and refinement of his manners, and the delicacy of his feelings in 
the social and domestic relations, had endeared him to a numerous 
circle of relatives and friends. 
« And what were his reflections in review of the whole, in con- 
nection with the distressing scenes of the last period of life? “ Allis 
as the flower of the grass: the wind passeth over it, and it is gone.” 
All on earth is transient; all in eternity is substantial and enduring 
His language was, “lama sinner. But God is merciful. ‘The only 
ground of acceptance before him, is through the great Mediator.” 
From this mercy, through this Mediator, is derived our solace under 
this heavy bereavement. On this, rest the hopes of the mourners, 
that they shall meet the deceased with joy, at the resurrection of the 
In his person, Mr. Whitney was considerably above the ordinary 
size, of a dignified carriage, and of an open, manly and agreeable 
countenance. His manners were conciliatory, and his whole ap- 
pearance such as to inspire universal respect. Among his particular 
friends, no man was more esteemed. Some of the ea 
intimate associates were also among the latest. With one oF two 0 
the bosom friends of his youth, he kept upa correspondence by letter 
for thirty years, with marks of continually increasing regard.» 0 
sense of honor was high, and his feelings of resentment and indig- 
nation occasionally strong. He could, however, be cool when Ds 
opponents were heated ; and, though sometimes surprised by ze 
yet the unparalleled trials of patience which he had sustained, ‘ 
not render him petulant, nor did his strong sense of the injuries 2° 
had suffered in relation to the Cotton Gin, impair the natural serenity 
of his temper. 
But the most remarkable trait in the character of Mr. Whitney 
and this § 
aside from his inventive powers, was his perseverance; 
