I 



Life and writings of Count Rumford,' 



XXIII 



times being unjust to the interfering claims of others, and without 

 sometimes disregarding those humble and silent virtues which are 

 stumbling blocks in the path of ambition. Yet, if examples of 

 perfect character are rare among mankind, there is no cause that 

 we should not hold up to imitation at least the semblance of per- 

 fection. When the grave has closed upon individual greatness, 

 we should see if there is i 

 applaud and imitate, than 



the 



more of 



to censure and avoid. For th 



ex- 



of emulation 



should be presented to view unblemished by the stain of cotem- 

 porary faults. The frailty of human nature demands that justice 

 should lean to the side of lenity. And if in common cases this 

 principle may operate, how much more should the failings of him 

 be buried in oblivion, who has left to cover them, 



public virtue and philosophic greatness. 



a monument of 



* 



