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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:33:43 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:33:43 -0700 |
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diff --git a/10010-h/10010-h.htm b/10010-h/10010-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..01ab404 --- /dev/null +++ b/10010-h/10010-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,1027 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="iso-8859-1"?> +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> +<head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" /> + + <title>The Eulogies of Howard, by Hayley.</title> + <style type="text/css"> + /*<![CDATA[*/ + <!-- + body {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + p {text-align: justify;} + blockquote {text-align: justify;} + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {text-align: center;} + pre {font-size: 0.7em;} + + hr {text-align: center; width: 50%;} + html>body hr {margin-right: 25%; margin-left: 25%; width: 50%;} + hr.full {width: 100%;} + html>body hr.full {margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 0%; width: 100%;} + + .poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; + text-align: left;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem p {margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem p.i2 {margin-left: 2em;} + .poem p.i4 {margin-left: 4em;} + .poem .caesura {vertical-align: -200%;} + --> + /*]]>*/ + </style> +</head> + +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10010 ***</div> + + <h1>THE EULOGIES OF HOWARD.</h1> + + <h2>A VISION.</h2> + + <div class="poem"> + <p>——to tell of deeds</p> + + <p>Above heroic. MILTON.</p> + </div> + + <h4>M.DCC.XCI.</h4> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2>THE EULOGIES OF HOWARD</h2> + + <p>It was my chance to be conversing with a Friend of the benevolent and + indefatigable HOWARD, when our country was first afflicted with the public + intelligence of his death. After our first expression of surprize and + sorrow, we naturally fell into serious and affectionate reflections on the + gentle character and sublime pursuits of the deceased. On these articles we + had no difference of opinion; but in the course of our conversation a point + arose, on which our sentiments were directly opposite, though we were + equally sincere and ardent in our regret and veneration for the departed + Worthy, to whom it related. I happened to speak of the public honours that, + I hoped, a grateful, a generous, a magnificent Nation would render to his + memory. My companion immediately exclaimed, "that every ostentatious + memorial, to commemorate the virtues of his friend, would be inconsistent + with the meekness and simplicity of the man; that all, who had the happiness + of knowing HOWARD, must recollect with what genuine modesty he had ever + retired from the enthusiastic admiration of those, who had hoped to gratify + his ambition by undeserved applause; that he had really sought no reward but + in the approbation of his conscience and his GOD; that the British Nation, + however eminent for genius and munificence, could not devise any posthumous + honours, or raise any monument, truly worthy of HOWARD, except in adopting + and accomplishing those benevolent projects which his philanthropy and + experience had recommended to public attention for the benefit of + mankind."</p> + + <p>I readily admitted the singular and unquestionable modesty of the + deceased.—I allowed that the noblest tribute of respect, which the + world could render to so pure a spirit, would be to realize his ideas; but I + contended, that other honours are still due to his name; that it is the duty + and the interest of mankind to commemorate his character with the fondest + veneration. I reminded my companion, that although we were sincerely + convinced that no human mind, engaged in great designs, could be more truly + modest than that of HOWARD; yet we had particular reason to recollect, that + he was not insensible to praise. He had once imparted to us his feelings on + that subject with a frank and tender simplicity, highly graceful in an + upright and magnanimous being, conscious of no sentiment that he could wish + to conceal. Indeed, a sincere and ardent passion for virtue could hardly + subsist with a disdain of true glory, which is nothing more than the proper + testimony of intelligent and honed admiration to the existence of merit: nor + is it reasonable to suppose that the fondest expressions of remembrance from + a world, which he has served and enlightened, can be displeasing to the + spirit of "a just man made perfect;" since we are taught by Religion, that + the gratitude of mankind is acceptable even to GOD. I endeavoured to + convince my companion, that, as the Publick had seen in HOWARD a person who + reflected more genuine honour on our country than any of her Philosophers, + her Poets, her Orators, her Heroes, or Divines, it is incumbent on the + Nation to consult her own glory by commemorating, in the fullest manner, his + beneficent exertions, and by establishing the dignity of his unrivaled + virtue.</p> + + <p>My arguments, and my zeal, made some impression on the mind of my + antagonist; and sunk so deeply into my own, that on my retiring to rest they + gave rise to the following vision.</p> + + <p>I was suddenly transported to the confines of a region, which astonished + me by its loveliness and extent; it was called, The Paradise of true Glory. + As I approached the entrance, my eyes were delightfully fascinated by two + beings of human form, who presided over the portal. Their names were Genius + and Sensibility:—it was their office to gratify with a view of this + Paradise every mortal that revered them sincerely; and to reject only such + intruders as presumed to treat either the one or the other with the + insolence of disdain, or the coldness of contempt: an incident that I should + have thought impossible, from the transcendent beauty which is visible in + each; but, to my surprize, they informed me it very frequently happened.</p> + + <p>As I readily paid them the unsuspected homage of my soul, I was + graciously permitted to pass the gate.—Immediately as I entered, I was + saluted with a seraphic smile, by two benignant and inseparable Spirits: + these were Gratitude and Admiration, the joint rulers of the + dominion—"You are welcome," said the first, in a tone of angelic + tenderness—"You are welcome to a scene utterly new to your senses, and + in harmony with your heart: you delight in the praises of the deserving: and + you are now wafted to a spot, where those who have merited highly of mankind + are praised in proportion to their desert, and where the praise of exalted + merit is fondly listened to by an extensive human audience, here purified by + our supernatural agency from all the low and little jealousies of the + earth."</p> + + <p>I had hardly answered this pleasing information by a grateful obeisance + to my radiant informer, when I perceived, in a gorgeous prospect that now + opened before us, three structures of stupendous size and superior + magnificence. The first was situated in a grove of olives, and appeared to + me like an ancient temple of Attica, remarkable for massive strength, and a + sober dignity—the second was less solid, but richer in decoration; and + seemed to be almost surrounded by every tree and plant on which Nature has + bestowed any salutary virtue: the third was shaded only by palms; the form + of it was so wonderfully grand and aweful, that it struck me as a sanctuary + for every pure and devout spirit from all the nations of the globe.</p> + + <p>"These structures, that you survey with astonishment," said one of my + benevolent conductors, "are devoted to what you mortals denominate the three + liberal professions, Law, Medicine, and Theology. Whoever has a claim to + distiguished honour from any one of the three, has a just encomium + pronounced upon his services by the temporary President of that particular + fabrick, in which he is entitled to such grateful remembrance." "Alas!" I + replied, with a murmur that I could not suppress, "the Man whose + well-deserved praises I most anxiously expected to hear in this region, + belonged not to any one of these eminent classes in human life—he had + no profession but that of Humanity."</p> + + <p>"Be patient," said the sweetest of my aetherial guides, with a rebuke + that was softened by a smile of indulgence! "Let not your zeal for the + honour of an individual, however meritorious, make you unjust, or + insensible, to the merit of others! Assume the temper of this region, where + praise is distributed by equity and affection, but where prejudice and + partiality are not allowed to intrude!—Let us advance," continued my + monitor, with an encouraging movement of her hand; "it is time that I should + lead you to the nearest assembly."</p> + + <p>I obeyed with reverential silence; and as I passed the vestibule of the + majestic edifice, my heart panted with an aweful expectation of beholding + the shades of Solon, Lycurgus, and other departed Legislators, from the + various nations of the world. I was chearfully surprized by a very different + spectacle.</p> + + <p>The capacious structure was filled with a concourse of living mortals, + lively, yet respectable in their appearance, evidently belonging to many + countries; but all, as I perceived by their habits, connected with the Law. + Throughout all the multitude I heard no sound of dissention or debate: but + over all there reigned an air of intelligence and sympathy, while all were + hushed in silent expectance, and eager attention, with their eyes directed + to an elevated tribunal:—On this a personage was sitting, whose + majestic figure I immediately recollected. His countenance is marked with + that austerity and grandeur, which are the external characteristicks of Law + herself. His heart, as those who know it ultimately declare, expresses the + tender and beneficent influence of that Power, who is the acknowledged + parent of security and comfort. With a voice that pervaded the most distant + recesses of the extensive dome, and in tones that sunk deep into the bosom + of every auditor, he pronounced the following oration:</p> + + <p>"After passing many years of life in the painful investigation of human + offences, it is with peculiar satisfaction that I find myself commissioned + to commemorate, in this Assembly, a character of virtue without + example—a character, at once so meek and so sublime, that, if a + feeling spirit had been poisoned with misanthropy from too close a + contemplation of mortal crimes, this character alone might serve as an + antidote to the word of mental distempers, and awaken the most callous and + sarcastic mind to confess the dignity of our Nature, and the beneficence of + our God. In stating to you the merits of HOWARD, I might expatiate with + delight on the various qualities of this incomparable man; I might trace his + progress through the different periods of a life always singular and always + instructive. I could not be checked by any fear of overstepping the modesty + of Truth in the celebration of Virtue, so solid and so extensive, that the + malevolence of Envy could not diminish its weight, the fondness of + Enthusiasm could not amplify its effects. But I must not forget that there + are professional limits to my discourse. It is incumbent on me to confine + myself to a single object, and to dwell only on those public services, that + peculiarly endear the name of Howard to the liberal and enlightened + community in which I have the honour to preside.</p> + + <p>"It was in the capacity of a Minister to Justice, that the pure spirit, + whom it is my glory to praise, first conceived the idea of those unrivaled + labours that have rendered his memory a treasure to mankind. In discharging + a temporary office, that exposed to him the condition of criminals, he was + led to meditate on the evils which had grievously contaminated the + operations of Justice. He perceived that Law herself, like one of her most + illustrious Delegates (I mean the immortal Bacon), was grossly injured by + the secret and sordid enormities of her menial servants: that Captivity and + Coercion, those necessary supporters of her power, instead of producing + good, often gave birth to mischiefs more flagrant, and more fatal, than + those which they were employed to correct. He found, even in the prisons of + his own humane and enlightened country, an accumulation of the most hideous + abuses: he found them not nurseries of penitence and amendment, but schools + of vice and impiety; or dens of filth, famine, and disease: not the seats of + just and salutary correction and punishment, but the strong holds of cruelty + and extortion. The irons of the prisoner, which he only beheld, entered into + his soul, and awakened unextinguishable energy in a spirit, of which + companion and fortitude were the divine characteristicks. In the noble + emotions of pity for the oppressed, and of zeal for the honour and interest + of civilized society, he conceived perhaps the sublimest design that ever + occupied and exalted the mind of man, the design to search and to purify the + polluted stream of Penal Justice, not only throughout his own country, but + through the various nations of the world. How low, how little, are the + grandest enterprizes of Heroic Ambition, when compared with this magnanimous + pursuit! How frivolous and vain are the highest aims of Fancy and Science, + when contrasted with a purpose so beneficently great! But, marvellous as the + magnitude of HOWARD'S enterprise appears, on the slightest view that + magnitude becomes doubly striking, when we contemplate at the same time the + many circumstances that might either allure or deter him from the + prosecution of his idea. Consider him as a private gentleman, possessed of + ease and independence, accustomed to employ and amuse his mind in retired + study and philosophical speculation; arrived at that period of life, when + the springs of activity and enterprize in the human frame have begun to lose + their force! consider that his health, even in youth, had appeared unequal + to common fatigue! his stature low! his deportment humble! his voice almost + effeminate! Such was the wonderful being, who relinquished the retirement, + the tranquillity, the comforts, that he loved and enjoyed, to embark in + labours at which the most hardy might tremble; to plunge in perils from + which the most resolute might recede without a diminution of honour. Under + all these apparent disadvantages, unsummoned, unauthorized by any Prince, + unexcited by any popular invitation, he resolved to investigate all the + abuses of imprisonment; to visit the abodes of wretchedness and infection; + and to prove himself the friend of the friendless, in every country that the + limits of his advanced life would allow him to examine. Against such an + enterprize, projected by such an individual, what forcible arguments might + be urged, not only by every selfish passion, but even by that prudence, and + that reason, which are allowed to regulate an elevated mind! How plausibly + did Friendship exclaim to Howard, 'Your projects are unquestionably noble; + but they are above the execution of any individual: you are unarmed with + authority; you have the wish to do great good, but the power of doing + little! Consider the probable issue of the undertaking!—You will see a + few hapless wretches, and tell their condition to the inattentive world; + perhaps perish yourself from contagion, before you have time to tell it; and + leave your afflicted friends to lament your untimely fate, and the + ungrateful Publick to deride your temerity!' What force of intellect, what + dignity of soul were required to prevent a mortal from yielding to + remonstrances so engaging! The divine energy of Genius and of Virtue enabled + HOWARD to foresee, that the sanctity of his pursuit would supply him with + strength and powers far superior to all human authority:—His piercing + mind comprehended that there are enormities of such a nature, that to survey + and to reveal them is to effect their correction.—He felt that his + sincere compassion for the oppressed, and his ardent desire to promote + perfect justice, would serve him as a perpetual antidote against the poison + of fear.—He felt that in the darkness of dungeons he should want no + associates, no guards to defend him against the outrages of detected + extortion, or suspicious brutality.—He felt, that as his purpose was + heavenly, the powers of Heaven would be displayed in his support; that + iniquity and oppression would not dare to lift a hand against him, though + they knew it was the business of his life to annihilate their sway in their + most secret dominion. How admirably did the progress of his travels evince + and justify the pure and enlightened confidence of his spirit! All dangers, + all difficulties, vanish before his gentleness, his regularity, his + perseverance. Insolence and ferocity seem to turn, at his approach, into + docility and respect. Every hardship he endures, every step he advances, in + his wide and laborious career of Beneficence, instead of impairing his + strength, invigorates his frame; instead of diminishing his influence, + increases the utility of his conduct, by making the world acquainted with + the sanctity of his character. Witness, ye various regions of the earth! + with what surprize, delight, and veneration, ye beheld an unarmed, and + unassuming traveller instructing you in the sublime science of mitigating + human misery, and giving you a matchless example of tenderness and + magnanimity! O, England! thou generous country! ever enamoured of glory, + contemplate in this, the most perfect of thy illustrious sons; contemplate + those virtues, and that honour, in which thy parental spirit may most + happily exult!—What spectacle can be more flattering to thy native, + thy honest pride, than to behold the proudest potentates of distant nations + listening with pleasure to a private Englishman; and learning, from his + researches, how to relieve the most injured of their subjects! how to + abolish the enormities of perverted Justice! To form a complete account of + the good arising to the world from the life and labours of Howard, would be + a task beyond the limits of any human mind: an exact statement of the + benefits he has conferred upon society, could be rendered only by the + attendant Spirit whom Providence commissioned to watch over him, and who + might discern, by the powers of supernatural vision, what pregnant sources + of public calamity he crushed in the seed, and what future virtues, in + various individuals, he may draw into the service of mankind by the + attraction of his example.</p> + + <p>"Of good, more immediately visible, which his exertions produced, there + is abundant evidence in his own country. In the wide circle of his foreign + excursion, what nation, what city, does not bear some conspicuous traces of + his intrepid and indefatigable beneficence! Of the astonishing length to + which his zeal and perseverance extended, we have the most ingenuous and + satisfactory narration in those singularly meritorious volumes which he has + given to the world. In these we behold the minute detail of labours to which + there is nothing similar, or second, in the history of public virtue; and + for which there could be no adequate reward but in the beatitude of Heaven. + An eloquent Enthusiast, whose genius was nearly allied to frenzy, has + expressed a desire to present himself before the tribunal of the Almighty + Judge, with a volume in his hand, in which he had recorded his own thoughts + and actions: if such an idea could be suitable to the littleness of man, if + it could become any mortal of faculties so limited to make such an offering + to the great Fountain of all intelligence, that mortal must assuredly be + Howard: for where could we find another individual, not professedly + inspired, who might present to his Maker a record of labours so eminently + directed by Piety and Virtue! a book, addressed to mankind, without + insulting their weakness, or flattering their passions! a book, whose great + object was to benefit the world, without seeking from it any kind of reward! + a book, in which the genuine modesty of the Writer is equal to his + unexampled beneficence! The mind of Howard was singularly and sublimely free + from the common and dangerous passion for applause: that passion which, + though taken altogether, it is certainly beneficial to the interests of + mankind, yet frequently communicates inquietude and unsteadiness to the + pursuits of Genius and Virtue. As human praise was never the object of his + ambition, so he has nobly soared above it. There appear, in different ages + upon the Earth, certain elevated spirits, who, by the sublimity of their + conceptions, and the magnanimity of their conduct, attain a degree of glory + which can never be reached by the keenest followers of Fame—They seek + not panegyricks; and panegyricks can add nothing to their honour. The + Eulogies have perished which were devoted by the luxuriant genius of Tully, + and by the laconic spirit of Brutus, to the public virtue of Cato; yet the + name of that illustrious Roman is still powerful in the world, and excites + in every cultivated mind, an animating idea of independent integrity. The + name of Howard has superior force, and a happier effect. It is a sound, at + which the strings of humanity will vibrate with exultation in many millions + of hearts. Through the various nations that he visited, the mere echo of his + name will be sufficient to awaken that noblest sensibility, which at once + softens and elevates the soul. Every warm hearted and worthy individual who + mentions Howard will glow with an honest, a generous satisfaction, in + feeling himself the fellow-creature of such a man. Wherever the elegant arts + are established, they will contend in raising memorials to his honour. + Indeed, the globe itself may be considered as his Mausoleum; and the + inhabitants of every prison it contains, as groups of living statues that + commemorate his virtue. There is no class of mankind by whom his memory + ought not to be cherished, because all are interested in those evils (so + pernicious to society! so dangerous to life!) which he was ever labouring to + lessen or exterminate. It might be wished, that different communities should + separately devise some different tribute of respect to him whose character + and conduct is so interesting to all: not for the sake of multiplying vain + and useless offerings to the dead, but to impress with more energy and + extent his ennobling remembrance on the heart and soul of the living. It is + hardly possible to present too frequently to the human mind the image of a + man who lived only to do good. I mean not merely such a resemblance of his + form as Art may execute with materials almost as perishable as the image of + human clay, but such an impression of his soul as may have a more lasting + influence on the life and conduct of his admirers, such as, diffusing among + them a portion of his spirit, may in some measure perpetuate his + existence.</p> + + <p>"By this community, I am confident, such public honours will be paid to + HOWARD, as may be most suitable to the peculiar interest which it becomes us + to take in his glory. What these honours shall be is a point to be settled + by this liberal and enlightened Assembly, which assuredly will not fail to + remember that he suggested to Legal Authority her omissions and defects with + the modest and endearing tenderness of a Friend; that he laboured in the + service of Justice with that intelligence, fortitude, and zeal, which her + votaries cannot too warmly admire, or too gratefully acknowledge."</p> + + <p>The President arose as he thus ended his speech; and the members of the + Assembly seemed beginning to confer among themselves; but what debates + ensued, or what measure was adopted, I am unable to tell, as my visionary + Guides immediately hurried me to the adjoining Temple.</p> + + <p>This second structure, though less extensive and less solid than the + first, was more attractive to the eye, as it abounded with scientifical and + diversified decorations. The Assembly consisted of men, who appeared to me + equally remarkable for keenness of intellect and elegance of manners. The + seat of pre eminence among them was filled by a person who possessed in a + very uncommon degree these two valuable qualities, so happily conducive to + medical utility and medical distinction. Though left a young orphan, without + patrimony, and obliged to struggle with early disadvantages, he raised + himself by meritorious exertion to the head of a profession in which + opulence is generally the just attendant on knowledge and reputation. But + neither opulence, nor his long intercourse with sickness and death, have + hardened the native tenderness of his heart; and I had lately known him shed + tears of regret on the untimely fate of an amiable patient, whom his + consummate skill and attention were unable to save.</p> + + <p>Thus strongly prepossessed in his favour, I was delighted to observe that + he was preparing to address the Assembly in the moment we entered. My + celestial Guides smiled on each other in perceiving my satisfaction; and + being placed by them instantaneously in a commodious situation, I heard the + following discourse; which the character I have described delivered with an + ease and refined acuteness peculiar to himself, never raising his voice + above the pitch of polite and spirited conversation:</p> + + <p>"I am persuaded, that every individual to whom I have now the happiness + of speaking, will readily agree with me in this sentiment, that we cannot + possibly do ourselves more honour as a Fraternity than by considering HOWARD + as an Associate: assuredly, there is no class of men who may more justly + presume to cherish his name and character with a fraternal affection. In + proportion as we are accustomed to contemplate, to pity, and to counteract, + the sufferings of Nature, the more are we enabled and inclined to estimate, + to love, and to revere, a being so compassionate and beneficent. If + Physicians are, what I once heard them called by a lively friend, the + Soldiers of Humanity, engaged in a perpetual, and too often, alas! + unsuccessful conflict against the enemies of life; HOWARD is not only + entitled to high rank in our corps, but he is the very Caesar of this hard, + this perilous, and, let me add, this most honourable warfare. Perhaps the + ambition of the great Roman Commander, insatiate and sanguinary as it was, + did not contribute more to the torment and destruction of the human race, + than the charity of the English Philanthropist has contributed to its relief + and preservation. Of this we are very certain, the splendid and + indefatigable Hero of Slaughter and Vain-glory did not traverse a more + extensive field, nor expose himself more courageously to personal danger, + than our meek and unostentatious Hero of Medical Benevolence. In point of + true magnanimity, I apprehend the spirit of Caesar would very willingly + confess, that his own celebrated attempts to reduce Gaul and Britain were + low and little achievements, when compared to the unexampled efforts by + which Howard endeavoured to exterminate or subdue (those enemies more + terrific) the Gaol Fever, and the Plague.</p> + + <p>"But leaving it to more able and eloquent panegyrists to celebrate the + originality, the boldness, and all the various merit of his philanthropic + exertions, I shall confine myself to a few remarks, and chiefly professional + ones, on his invaluable character. It appears to me highly worthy of + observation, that Howard, before he entered on his grand projects of Public + Benevolence, was subject to those little, but depressive variations of + health which have betrayed many a valetudinarian into habits of inaction and + inutility. Happily for himself, and for mankind, this excellent person + surmounted a constitutional bias to indolence and retirement. The + consequence sequence was, he became a singular example of activity and + vigour. His powers, and enjoyments of bodily and mental health, augmented in + proportion to the extensive utility of his pursuits.</p> + + <p>"Beneficial as his life has been to the world, his memory may be still + more so. It may prove a perpetual blessing to mankind, if it dissipates, as + it ought to do, a weak and common prejudice, which often operates as a palsy + upon the first idea of a great and generous undertaking. The prejudice I + mean is a hasty persuasion, frequently found in the most amiable minds, that + some peculiar strength of nerve, some rare mechanism of frame, and + extraordinary assemblage of mental powers, are absolutely requisite for the + execution of any noble design. How greatly does it redound to the true glory + of Howard to have given in his successful labours the fullest refutation of + a prejudice, so inimical to the interest and the honour of human-nature! a + prejudice, by whose influence, to use the words of our great Poet,</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <p>"—The native hue of Resolution</p> + + <p>Is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of Fear,</p> + + <p>And enterprizes of great pith and moment,</p> + + <p>With this regard, their currents turn awry</p> + + <p>And lose the name of action."</p> + </div> + + <p>"The life and character of Howard, if they are justly considered, may not + only annihilate this pernicious prejudice, but tend to establish an opposite + and consolatory truth. His example may shew us, that some degrees of bodily + weakness and mental depression may be most happily cured by active exertion + in the service of mankind. Perhaps there never existed a more striking proof + how far a noble impulse, communicated to the mind by a project of extensive + Benevolence, may invigorate a frame not equal in health, strength, and + stature, to the common standard of men. It is a prudential maxim of the + celebrated Raleigh, that 'Whosoever will live altogether out of himself, and + study other men's humours, shall never be unfortunate;' a maxim, which the + example of Howard might almost teach us to convert into a medical aphorism + by saying, 'Whosoever will live altogether out of himself, and consult other + men's wants, and calamities, shall never be unhealthy.' It is delightful to + those, who detest the debasing tenets of a selfish philosophy, to see the + happy influence of opposite ideas; to observe (what Physicians have frequent + opportunities of observing), that as a selfish turn of mind often attracts + and encreases the malignity of sickness, so an unselfish, a compassionate + spirit has a natural tendency to escape or subdue it. What can be more + pleasing to those, who assert and esteem the dignity of human-nature, than + to see, that the having lost all thoughts of self, and having acted in + direct opposition to selfish principles, has promoted even the personal + advantage of a generous individual? From such a series of philanthropic + labour and peril, as a selfish and timid mind might esteem it frenzy to + encounter, Howard derived not only his unrivalled and immortal reputation, + but the perfect restoration of enfeebled health; not to mention those high + gratifications of the heart and conscience, which are superior to all the + enjoyments both of health and glory. With such temperance in diet, that his + daily food would appear to most people not sufficient to support the common + functions of life, he chearfully sustained the hardships of long travel, + through regions where travelling is most difficult and dangerous. With a + figure, voice, and deportment, that seemed to preclude him from all personal + influence and authority; and with no mental acquisitions, except those which + are common to every cultivated mind, he secured to himself not only + universal admiration, but, I may venture to say, the just and moral idolatry + of the world. So invigorating are projects of extensive Beneficence! so + powerful is the energy of Public Virtue!</p> + + <p>"Never, indeed, was the astonishing influence of plain and simple + goodness more strikingly displayed, than in the deference and respect which + this private and meek individual received, not only from foreign and + imperious Rulers of the Earth, but from hardened and atrocious wretches, on + whom Justice herself could hardly make any mental impression, though armed + with all the splendour, and all the violence of power. Two particular + examples of the influence I am speaking of, I shall mention here, not only + as honourable to the prime object of our regard, but as they may suggest to + contemplative minds some useful ideas, by shewing how far the mere weight of + an upright and benevolent character alone may give to the most callous + nerves a trembling sensibility, and awaken the most ferocious spirit to + self-correction.</p> + + <p>"When our indefatigable Visitor of prisons was in Russia, he beheld, in + public, the punishment of the knoot severely administered by a strong and + stern executioner.</p> + + <p>"On the following day he waited on this man, to request from him various + information. The executioner attended him obsequiously; but this athletic + savage, though trained to acts of cruelty, and conscious he had a legal + sanction for the barbarous violence he had exerted, could not behold without + shuddering the meek and gentle Missionary of Compassion.</p> + + <p>"The second and more memorable example of his singular influence occurred + in a prison of his own country, and relates to an outrageous female + delinquent. A corrupt and ferocious woman is, perhaps, the most intractable + fiend that human benevolence can attempt to reform; but even this difficulty + the mild and and powerful character of HOWARD accomplished.</p> + + <p>"In one of our Western gaols, he found an unhappy female loaded with + heavy irons: on his appearance she entreated him to obtain for her the + removal of these galling fetters. Upon enquiry, he found that many + endeavours had been made to keep this turbulent offender in proper + subjection without the severity of chains; but, after repeated promises of + amendment on milder treatment, she had obliged the keeper to have recourse + to this extreme by relapsing into the most flagrant and insufferable + contempt of decency and order. Upon this information, HOWARD said mildly to + the unhappy criminal, 'I wish to relieve you, but you put it out of my + power; for I should lose all the little credit I have, if I exerted it for + offenders so hardened and so turbulent.' 'I know,' replied the intractable + delinquent, 'I know that I have a proud and rebellious spirit; but if I give + a promise to so good a man as you are, I can and I will command it.' On this + firm assurance of reformation, the benevolent HOWARD became a kind of surety + for her future peaceable conduct on the removal of her irons; and he had the + inexpressible delight to find, on his next visit to the prisoners of this + gaol, that the outrageous and ungovernable culprit, for whom he had ventured + to answer, was become the most orderly among them.</p> + + <p>"I could wish, for the moral interest of mankind, that it were possible + to obtain a minute account of the services rendered to the calamitous spirit + of many a forsaken individual by the singular charity of HOWARD. What could + be more instructive than to observe how his Beneficence encreased by its + exertion and success; while his desire of befriending the wretched became, + as it were, the vital spirit that gave strength and duration to his own + existence!</p> + + <p>"If we contemplate with pleasure the singular re-establishment of bodily + health, which HOWARD derived from his active philanthropy; it may be still + more pleasing to recollect, that it also afforded him an efficacious + medicine for an afflicted mind. Perhaps it was to shew the full efficacy of + this virtue in all its lustre, that Heaven allotted to this excellent + personage a domestic calamity, which appears (to borrow an expression from a + great writer) 'of an unconscionable size to human strength.'</p> + + <p>"That capricious and detestable spirit of Detraction, which on Earth + never fails to persecute superior Virtue, has not scrupled to assert that + the affliction, to which I allude, was the mere consequence of paternal + austerity. The Earth itself, though frequently accused of being eager to + receive ideas that may abase the eminent, could hardly admit a calumny so + groundless and irrational. In this purer spot it is utterly needless to + prove the innocence of an exalted being, to whom we are only solicitous to + pay that sincere tribute of praise and veneration which we are conscious he + deserves. In truth, this admirable Character seemed to illustrate the + philosophical maxim, that mildness is the proper companion of true + magnanimity. He had a gentleness of manners, that was peculiar to himself; + and, instead of possessing such imperious severity of spirit as might + produce the calamity I allude to, he was really endued with such native + tenderness of heart as must have sunk under it, had he not found in the + unexampled services that he rendered to the world, an antidote to the poison + of domestic infelicity. It is among the most gracious ordinances of + Providence, that man is sure to find the most powerful relief for his own + particular afflictions, in his endeavours to alleviate the sufferings of + others. And permit me to add, it is this beneficent law of our nature, that + gives a peculiar charm and dignity to the Medical Profession; a profession + singularly endeared to the affectionate HOWARD! not only as its + compassionate and active spirit was the guide of his pursuits, but as one of + its prime ornaments was his favourite associate and his bosom-friend. If + different classes of men are to vie with each other, as it may certainly + become them to do, in rendering various honours to this their matchless + Benefactor; I hope we shall display, with the most affectionate spirit, the + deep interest that we ought to take in his glory. I think it very desirable + that every Physician should possess a Medal of HOWARD, not only to shew his + veneration for the great Philanthropist, but to derive personal advantage + from such a mental Amulet, if I may hazard the expression. Most of us, in + the exercise of Medicine, feel at particular moments that our spirits are + too sensibly affected by the objects we survey; that scenes of misery and + infection depress and alarm: at such a time how might it rekindle the energy + of our minds to contemplate a little effigy of HOWARD! to recollect, that + all the trouble and danger that we encounter, in the practice of a lucrative + profession, are trifling in the extreme, when compared to the labour and the + peril, which this wonderful man most willingly took upon himself, without + looking forward to any reward but the approbation of Heaven!</p> + + <p>"I mention not a Medal as a new idea—it has been already in + contemplation; and a motto for it suggested, which applies with such + singular force and propriety to the person whom it is designed to + commemorate, that perhaps the wide range of classical literature could not + afford another passage so strikingly apposite to a character so + extraordinary—</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <p>"Stupuere patres tentamina tanta,</p> + + <p>Conatusque tuos: pro te Reus ipse timebat."—</p> + </div> + + <p>"I must confess, however, that I wish for another, which may seem to bind + him more closely to us in a medical point of view. But it is time to leave + the different members of our Fraternity at full liberty to propose any marks + of distinction that they wish to suggest.—It is sufficient for me to + have reminded you of a truth, which I am confident we all equally feel, + that, while we justly consider ourselves as students in the extensive school + of Humanity, it becomes us to look up to HOWARD, with a laudable veneration, + as the Prince and Patron of our Order."</p> + + <p>On the conclusion of this discourse, my Guides immediately conducted me, + with their former celerity and kindness, to the only remaining Structure. It + was the most extensive, and, from the hallowed majesty of its appearance, + the most admirable of the three. In approaching it, I paused a moment in + aweful surprise at the solemnity of the fabrick: the most lovely and + communicative of my two aetherial conductors smiled upon me, and said, "You + will find here Ministers of GOD from every Christian country; but only those + who consider Evangelical Charity as the essence of true Religion, and who + are disposed to honour, in the favourite object of your veneration, the most + signal example of that virtue, which the present age has beheld." "I hope + then," I eagerly replied, "I shall have the delight of hearing, on this + occasion, the most eloquent of our English Bishops." On this exclamation, my + kind informer regarded me with that lively and soothing air with which + intelligent Benevolence corrects mistaken simplicity, and thus continued to + instruct me with united vivacity and tenderness.</p> + + <p>"Earthly distinctions, you know, are of little moment in the sight of + Heaven. You will hear no Prelate; and perhaps you may feel surprised and + indignant, when you observe how very few of your Mitred Countrymen are to be + seen in this Assembly; but you will not retain in this hallowed spot that + most common of human infirmities, a tendency to censure or to suspicion. You + will recollect that this Convocation contains only those charitable men, who + are peculiarly disposed to honour your recent model of this Christian + virtue. Other good men may exist, who, from motives of innocent mistake, or + of mere inadvertency, may fail to exhibit that animated regard to his + exemplary character, which assuredly it has merited from all men, and which + the Ministers of Religion may most properly display.</p> + + <p>"One of these," continued my Director, "you are now going to hear; not, + indeed, a Dignitary of your Church, yet a Divine of Talents, Learning, and + Charity. He was led, by a laudable warmth of heart, to suggest to your + Country the first idea of paying a public tribute of veneration to the + signal virtue of Howard; and has acquired from this circumstance a title to + commemorate here the merit, to which he was eager to render such early + justice on earth. But it is time for us to attend him."</p> + + <p>We immediately entered the temple; and I beheld an Ecclesiastic rising at + that moment to address a very numerous Assembly of his order, that seemed to + contain Christians of every sect, and Ministers of every degree. The person + preparing to speak was distinguished by a majestic comeliness of person, + though he appeared to have passed the middle age of life; and with a + powerful elocution he delivered the following discourse.</p> + + <p>"The Righteous are bold as a Lion."</p> + + <p>Proverbs, chap, xxviii, ver. i.</p> + + <p>"In these few words, my brethren, we have a passage of Scripture, that + served as a favourite maxim, or leading truth, to the admirable personage + whose glorious qualities it is now both my duty and my delight to recall to + your remembrance. The words, indeed, are so consonant to that exalted spirit + which his life displayed, that they almost appear to me an epitome of his + character. Let us consider Courage as one of his principal endowments! To + contemplate so pure and resolute a being in this point of view, may lead us + to form just ideas on the true nature of this primary virtue, on the sacred + source from whence it should proceed, and the sublime end to which it should + aspire. How large a portion of folly, vice, and wickedness, have arisen from + mere mistakes concerning this most important of human qualities! so + important, that the real dignity of man can only rise in proportion as this + virtue is perfectly understood, and properly cherished! In the same + proportion, let me add, our courageous Philanthropist will be found entitled + to the praise of every upright mind, to the homage of every feeling + heart.</p> + + <p>"If we take the word Courage" in the most common and simple sense of that + term, as a generous and noble contempt of personal hardship and danger; who + has given more numerous or more striking examples of such brave contempt! Or + if we follow the definition of Courage given us by a profound, an eloquent, + and philanthropic Writer, namely, that it is a just estimate of our own + powers; who is there among the most signal Benefactors of mankind, not + professedly inspired, that ever formed an estimate of what he might achieve + in the most glorious field of enterprize, at once so difficult, and so true, + so humble, and so grand.</p> + + <p>"With every apparent disadvantage, Howard conceived it possible that his + endeavours might correct the abuses, and mitigate the sufferings of men, in + various nations of the world. Whence happened it, that a mortal, so visibly + weak and gentle, shrunk not from an idea so pregnant with difficulty and + peril! It was because, 'The Righteous are bold as a Lion.' It was because he + felt the strongest internal conviction of this animating truth, that, while + Heaven blesses a man with health sufficient to pursue a benevolent and + magnanimous design, the vigour of his mind, and most probably his powers of + doing good, will be proportioned to the firmness of his faith, and the + sincerity of his virtue.</p> + + <p>"Many achievements of beneficent Courage have undoubtedly been + accomplished by men influenced by no motive but that generous love of glory + which is so frequently the predominant passion of an active and ardent mind: + but the virtues that arise from this source are as unsteady, and as + precarious, as the reward they pursue. He who acts only as a candidate for + the applause of mankind, will find his spirit vary with all the variations + in the ever-changing atmosphere of popular opinion. He will be subject to + hot and cold fits of action and inactivity, of confidence and distrust, in + proportion as the illusive vapour, that he follows, may either sparkle or + fade before him. Hence proceeded much of that inconsistency and weakness, + which appear in some of the most enlightened, and exalted characters of the + Pagan world.—Wanting a purer light from Heaven, the most radiant + spirits of antiquity were bewildered; one in particular, the mildest and + most undaunted of antient Worthies, who had a sufficient portion of heroic + philanthropy to prefer the benefit of mankind to every selfish + consideration, had yet his hours of diffidence and despondency. On a final + review of his own generous labours, he is supposed to have questioned the + very existence of Virtue, though he had made it the idol of his life; a + striking proof, that the temperate and invariable energy of soul, which + alone perhaps deserves the name of true Courage, can only proceed from a + fuller knowledge and love of GOD; from the animating assurance, that, + however we may prosper or fail in the earthly success of our endeavours to + do good, the merit of the attempt is registered in Heaven; and we secure to + ourselves the everlasting approbation of our Almighty Parent, in proportion + as we approach towards that blessed model of Perfect Benevolence, who has + taught us, by his divine example, to compassionate and to relieve the + sufferings of the wretched. From this source flowed the courageous + beneficence of HOWARD: and how delightful it is to observe that the force, + the extent, the utility, and the lustre of the stream, has gloriously + corresponded to the height and purity of the fountain!</p> + + <p>"The Sensualist and the Sceptic may, indeed, deride the conduct of a man, + who sacrificed all the common pleasures of life, and sought for no + recompence but in the favour of Heaven. It may be said that an illusive + fervor of mind has hurried men, in all periods of the world, into singular + and wild exertions, which excite the wonder of the passing hour, and are + afterwards either deservedly forgotten, or only recalled to notice by Reason + and Philosophy, to caution the restless and impetuous spirit of man against + all similar excesses.</p> + + <p>"But the pursuits of Howard, though they had all that sublime energy + which so often distinguished the projects of Superstition, were so far from + being influenced by any superstitious propensity, that perhaps they cannot + appear to more advantage than by being brought into comparison, or contrast, + not with the sluggish piety of sequestered Monks, but with the bold and + splendid feats of the most active and enterprising Fanaticism. Allow me, + therefore, to recall to your thoughts those distant ages, when every ardent + spirit in Christendom was inflamed with a passionate desire to deliver the + Christian pilgrims of Palestine from the oppression of Infidels! Figure to + yourselves the whole force of Europe collecting its violence, like a + troubled sea, and preparing to pour a terrific and destructive inundation + over the Holy Land! Behold the strong and the weak, the ambitious and the + humble, pursuing the same object! Behold assembled Kings and their People, + Soldiers and Priests, the servants of Earth and Heaven rushing, with equal + ardour, to rescue the Sepulchre of Christ, and to drown all the innumerable + enemies of their Faith in an universal deluge of blood! In this scene we + have the sublimest spectacle, perhaps, that was ever exhibited by mistaken + piety and misguided valour. The love of God, by which this heroic multitude + was professedly impelled, was probably in many minds as sincere as it was + ardent. The religious spirit of their enterprize can still animate and + transport us in the song of the Poet: and in the more rational page of + History, while we justly lament the errors of their devotion, we admire the + force and perseverance of their courage.</p> + + <p>"To the sublime fortitude of these collected warriors, let us compare the + mild magnanimity of HOWARD. Let us survey him setting forth for an + expedition as perilous as theirs; not as the Soldier of Fanaticism, but as + the Pilgrim of Humanity! Attachment to GOD, and resolution which no + hardship, no danger, no difficulty can daunt, are equally conspicuous in the + sanguinary Fanatic and the compassionate Philanthropist: but how widely + different are the prime earthly objects of their pursuits! The fierce + Crusaders invaded Asia with a desire to exterminate the Infidels. The + benevolent HOWARD was led into the same quarter of the globe, and into + perils more deadly than those of war, by a wish to exterminate, or rather to + restrain, the ravages of that terrific enemy to human life, the Plague.</p> + + <p>"He had conceived an idea, that, as this most alarming of mortal maladies + has been often strangely neglected by the sluggish and superstitious + inhabitants of the East, it might be possible by a calm and courageous + examination of its nature and its progress, to set limits to its rage; and + particularly to secure his own country from a future visitation of a + calamity, against which the fearless and eager spirit of Commerce appears + not to have established a sufficient precaution. For the prospect of + accomplishing public good, so devoutly to be wished, he nobly thought it a + trifling sacrifice to hazard the little remnant of his advanced life; and, + however men or nations may differ in policy or religion, whereever there is + a human spirit sufficiently pure and enlightened to estimate public virtue, + the sentiments and the conduct of HOWARD must secure to his memory the + fondest veneration. There is a perfection and felicity in his character that + appears supremely laudable in every point of view. If, abstracted from all + religious considerations, we regard him only as a citizen who devoted + himself to the service of his country, the brightest records of Antiquity + afford us no parallel to his merit. Had he lived in those early times, the + generous enthusiasm of the antient world would have idolized his name. + Philosophy and Genius would have found, in his benevolent labours, the most + ample theme for instruction, and the purest subject for universal + panegyrick. They would have celebrated him as a benefactor to mankind, who + had built a new portico to the Temple of Glory superior to the dome itself. + They would have preferred the beneficent Philanthropist to the dazzling + Conqueror, to the fascinating Demagogue, to the attractive Sophist; and all + the various idols of public praise. But as Antiquity exhibits no character + of such unclouded lustre, we have great reason to conclude, that such a + character could owe its existence only to the pure and sublime spirit of our + Christian Faith. Let us, therefore, contemplate HOWARD as a Christian! it is + by considering him in this light, that we shall feel ourselves most happily + related to his virtues, and most delightfully interested in the honours they + receive.</p> + + <p>"In the poor and calamitous objects of his regard, in the gentleness and + purity of his manners, in his modest and magnanimous refusal of earthly + honours, in the wide extent and courageous perseverance of his charity, we + cannot fail to discern how richly he was endowed with the genuine spirit of + that pure and sublime Religion which has the divine prerogative of + converting weakness into strength, and of giving to Humility the influence + of Power. There is not a feature in the character, there is hardly an action + in the life of this exemplary personage, that does not mark him as a true + servant of CHRIST. And may we not presume the blessed Author of our faith, + in supplying us in these dissolute times with a recent example of such + astonishing and unlimited beneficence, is graciously pleased to afford us a + new motive to prize and to cherish that animating faith, which could form, + in an age like the present, a character so wonderfully entitled to the + veneration of the world? The spirit of Christianity is so visible in the + conduct of HOWARD, that the prime objects of his attention might be thought + to have been suggested to him by the very words in which our blessed Lord + announces to the heirs of eternal glory the source of their + beatitude—'Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared + for you from the foundation of the world; for I was an hungry, and ye gave + me meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took + me in; naked, and ye cloathed me; I was sick, and ye visited me; I was in + prison, and ye came unto me.'</p> + + <p>"Is it possible for us, my Brethren, to recall to our memory these holy + words without feeling at the same time, in the most forcible degree, all the + Christian merits of HOWARD? Can we fail to admire and to venerate the + unexampled ardour, purity, and perseverance, with which he exercised the + peculiar virtue so distinguished by our Lord?—While we behold him + sublimely pre-eminent in this Christian perfection, shall we not cherish the + delightful idea, that his heavenly rewards will be finally adequate to his + unrivaled labours on earth? Shall not those who have loved him exult in the + persuasion, that in that great and aweful day, when the living and the dead + are to receive their everlasting doom; when the princes and the great ones + of the earth may be confronted with those whom they have persecuted and + oppressed, or whom they have failed to relieve; when the proudest Sons of + Learning, Genius, or Wit, may shrink at the superior lustre of those whom + they have ridiculed and reviled; HOWARD will shine encircled by thousands, + who will gratefully plead for his beatitude in those blessed words of our + Redeemer, 'I was in prison, and he came unto me!'</p> + + <p>"Yes, my Brethren, the day will assuredly come, when the servant so + signally faithful will be called to a reward, surpassing the utmost reach of + our conception, by the voice of his Righteous Master—then, and then + only, will praise be fully proportioned to his transcendant merit; when this + consummate Christian is raised to glory by the glorified Messiah, when his + pure spirit exults in the commendation of his GOD.</p> + + <p>"The imperfect efforts, that mankind may make to do honour to such a + Being, cannot, indeed, so much promote his glory, as they may conduce to the + interest of human nature. Subject as it has been to the wildest excesses, + human panegyric, in all its shapes, may be safely devoted to a personage, + whom it is hardly possible to praise with sincerity, without feeling our + disposition improved. In a beneficent, a sublime, and truly religious + character, there is a sort of magnetic virtue, which to those who are + affectionately drawn towards it, though only in idea, communicates a portion + of itself. Hence arises, what we cannot too fondly cherish, the delight and + the utility of commemorating departed worth. If its title to commemoration + be justly proportioned to its magnitude, its singularity, and extent; not + only various individuals, but different Nations, will become rivals in + promoting the fame of HOWARD. As the glorious qualities, which his life + displayed, are equally open to the emulation of the great and the humble; + every class of human creatures is peculiarly interested in his praise. If to + honour his memory may be thought to belong to any one community more than to + another; surely, my Brethren, we shall not fail to assume to ourselves so + pleasing a duty, so honourable a distinction. Well, indeed, might the + insulting enemies of our Faith reproach us with a supine and disgraceful + inattention to the real interest of Virtue, and the true glory of Religion, + could we suffer any other order of men to surpass the Ministers of CHRIST in + a meritorious zeal to honour this faithful servant of Heaven, whose life + exhibits a lesson more instructive and sublime than all the eloquence of the + Pulpit! a Christian, who has shewn us, in the most signal manner, how + practicable it is to follow, in succouring the distrest, not only the + precepts, but the example of our GOD."</p> + + <p>In the moment that this benevolent Divine concluded his address to his + attentive brethren, my kind and vigilant Guides removed me from the + temple.—I was now led into a scene entirely different from those we + left. It was an open and verdant plain, with a few elevations in the ground, + that afforded advantageous views of the whole extensive spot. Here, instead + of beholding the Ministers of Peace, I found myself encircled by the + multitudinous votaries of War. It appeared to me that all the military and + all the naval servants of our country were collected together, and each + different division of these well-appointed and well-looking men, that formed + a pleasing spectacle alone, was attended by a crowd of miscellaneous + spectators, more numerous than itself: yet in all this immense multitude + there was no sign of tumult or confusion. They were ranged in such a manner + as to form a wide circular area in the midst of them. I was stationed on a + little eminence within this area; and in the same vacant space I beheld a + party of veteran Commanders, both Military and Naval, who seemed to have + been conferring together, but separated by the direction of my aetherial + Conductors, to address, in different parts of this extensive field, the + different companies assigned to their care. What they respectively said in + their separate departments I was unable to discover, as I only heard + distinctly one gallant Veteran, whose character was particularly dear to me. + This consummate officer has raised himself by merit alone from the humblest + rank of military life to a station of the highest honour and trust. His + modesty is as singular as his fortune: passing close to me, with a gracious + salutation, he approached a very fine orderly corps of foot, who looked up + to him with a sort of filial respect, while he spoke to them the few + following words:</p> + + <p>"As bravery and compassion are the characteristics of good Soldiers, you + cannot want, my friends, any long exhortation from me to honour the memory + of HOWARD; the most resolute and the most compassionate man that has lived + in our time. Though he was not of our profession, as his life was devoted to + mitigate the united horrors of captivity and sickness, those worst of + enemies to the spirit of a soldier, you will undoubtedly feel that he has a + peculiar claim to our most grateful and generous regard."</p> + + <p>This speech was followed by a burst of acclamation from those to whom it + was particularly addressed. Similar shouts of applause resounded from + different quarters of the spacious field, while our aetherial attendants, + Gratitude and Admiration, who followed each speaker at the close of each + address to different divisions of this innumerable assembly, displayed, to + each division in its turn, an extensive sketch of a simple but magnificent + mausoleum to the memory of Howard, in the form of an English lazaretto. On + the first display of this striking and worthy monument, the applauding + multitude seemed to exult in the prospect of its completion. But I soon + observed, to my inexpressible concern, that while Gratitude and Admiration + were busy in exciting the various ranks of the vast assembly, to accomplish + this favourite design, they were followed by two earthy fiends of a dark and + malignant influence: these were Detraction and Indifference, who shed such a + chill and depressive mist around them, that all the ardour of the Assembly + seemed to sink. Among the miscellaneous crowds that were visible between the + divisions of the martial host, there ran a murmur of obloquy and derision + against the pure object of public veneration. He was reviled as a whimsical + Reformer, and a rash Enthusiast, who had absurdly sacrificed his life in a + vain and fantastic pursuit. This base spirit of calumnious malignity was not + communicated to any one division of the martial multitude; but the universal + zeal for the glory of HOWARD seemed to be almost annihilated; even Gratitude + and Admiration appeared to grow faint in their darling purpose. During their + languor, they suffered their sketch of the Mausoleum to be gradually stolen + from their hands, and to drop upon the ground. At this moment a sudden and + violent earthquake was felt through all the extensive scene. The centre of + the vacant area opened—it threw forth a phantom terrific and + enormous—its magnitude seemed to grow upon the sight; its lineaments + were shrouded from our view by an immense mantle, on which were represented + a thousand different and hideous images of Death. Its name was + Contagion—it rushed forward with an indescribable movement. Dismay and + confusion overwhelmed all that quarter of the crowded scene, that was + particularly threatened by its first advance. The affrighted multitude + rolled back like a tumultuous sea. The horrid spectre stopt; and left a wide + interval between itself and the retiring host. A ray of heavenly light + illumined the vacant space. I fixed my eye on the brilliant spot, and soon + beheld the meek and gentle form of HOWARD advancing, without fear or + arrogance, towards the terrific Phantom. With an untrembling hand he seized + the dark folds of its extensive mantle, and seemed animated with the hope of + annihilating the Monster. In the instant, a burst of celestial splendor was + spread over the gloomy plain. The Angel of Retribution descended; and + snatching the consummate Philanthropist to his bosom, he rose again; while + all the astonished multitude, now reviving from their terror, gazed only on + the celestial apparition; and heard the reascending Seraph thus address the + beneficent spirit now committed to his care:</p> + + <p>"Thou faithful servant of Heaven! thy hour of recompence is come. Justly + hast thou cautioned mankind not to impute thy conduct to rashness or + enthusiasm. Weak and wavering in their own pursuits of felicity, thou wilt + not wonder to see them so in their sense of thy merit, and their zeal for + thy honour: but I am commissioned to bear thee to that All-seeing Power, who + can alone truly estimate, and perfectly reward thy desert. I know that the + praise of beings, inferior to thy GOD, never influenced thy life; but the + homage of good minds is grateful to the purest inhabitants of Heaven; and in + departing from a world so much indebted to thy virtue, let it gratify thy + perfect spirit to foresee, that as long as the earth endures, the most + enlightened of her sons will remember and revere thee as one of her + sublimest benefactors."</p> + + <p>As soon as the divine messenger had ceased to speak, every voice in the + reanimated multitude, that heard him, raised a shout of benediction on the + name of HOWARD. I started in transport at the sound; and the effort that I + made to join the universal acclamation terminated my vision.</p> + + <p>Pardon me, thou gentlest and most indulgent of Friends! that, conscious + as I am of the sincerity with which thy pure mind ever wished to avoid all + exuberance of praise, I yet presume to send into the world such a tribute to + thy virtues as thy humility might reject. Let the motives of the publication + atone for all its defects!</p> + + <p>This little work is made public, not from a vain expectation, or desire, + in the Writer to obtain any degree of literary distinction; for, if his + wishes and endeavours are successful, the world will not know from what hand + it proceeds.</p> + + <p>Thou most revered object of my regard, who art looking down, perhaps, + with compassion on the petty labours of various mortals, now trying to + commemorate thy merit, thou seest that I am influenced by no arrogant + conceit of having praised with peculiar felicity the perfections that I so + ardently admire. No! I am perfectly sensible, that the most worthy memorial + of thy virtues will be found in those pure records of thy public services + which thy own hand has given to the world with all the amiable and affecting + simplicity that distinguished thy character, and in the more comprehensive + composition of some accomplished Biographer, who may have opportunities and + ability to do justice to thy life.</p> + + <p>The chief aim of these few and hasty pages is to recall, at this + particular time, to the liberal spirits of our countrymen that generous + ardour with which they embraced the first idea of a public monument to + HOWARD. While the expence and dignity of that monument are yet unsettled, a + Writer may consider himself as a friend to national honour, who endeavours + to animate his country to the most extensive display of her munificence, and + her gratitude towards the purest public virtue. May she justly remember, + that, to testify a fond maternal pride in such a departed son, to manifest + and perpetuate esteem for such a character, is, in truth, to promote the + interest of genuine Patriotism, of sublime Morality, and of perfect + Religion!</p> + <hr /> + + <h4>FINIS.</h4> + +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10010 ***</div> +</body> +</html> |