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pursuits of life, are its votaries allowed such uninterrupted domestic se¬ 
clusion and relief from the perplexing cares, and numerous vexations, 
trials and disappointments of life which ever attend its more public, and 
consequently more dependent and servile employments. 
If there are, in what are sometimes called the learned professions, a 
cognomen which should be forever abolished by way of distinction, 
more brilliant exhibitions of genius, popular laudations, the gratification 
of political aspirations and desires for distinction, professional or other¬ 
wise, there are by no means, and I say it without fear of contradiction, 
those more substantial elements of domestic or personal enjoyment, which 
alone can result from a contented and satisfied mind. The most success¬ 
ful school of the human mind, for the cultivation of these most desirable 
qualities or elements foi happiness, is the discharge of the varied duties, 
nay pleasures of the well conducted farm, farm-yard, garden and fruit- 
yard. That man who, in the exercise of sound judgment upon the 
honest convictions of unbiased reflection, should be left free to choose 
the pursuit of his life, if surrounded with the necessary health and means 
to enable him to succeed, could not fail, I think, to arrive at this con¬ 
clusion. 
The glittering baubles, gaieties, frivolities, and personal triumphs of life 
may charm and bewilder for the time, but they can never yield that rich 
harvest of contentment which alone is found in. that most comprehensive 
word, Home. The shouts of the populace, and the cheers of the ap¬ 
proving and flattering auditors may gladden the heart and exhilarate the 
feelings of the aspirant for public favor, but if possessed of those truly 
refined and ennobling feelings, which fit him for public trust, he will be 
strange indeed if he does not, like a Webster, prefer greatly his Marsh¬ 
field; or like a Clay, his Ashland ; or like a Jackson, his Hermitage: or 
like a Jefferson, his secluded and retired Monticello, to all the glitter and 
gladiatorship of the floor of the Congress of his nation. Who would 
not prefer the music of bleating flocks and lowing herds to the storms of 
political strife ? and the music of loving voices, in his own quiet home, 
to all the sycophantic and senseless gratulations of a boisterous and 
heartless throng ? 
For one, I could not, would not claim a prouder descent than from the 
blood of the yeomanry of America. I would ask no greater boon than 
t 
