ower that he had hitherto always
treated as an enemy. The whole of the four hundred thousand pounds were
liberally intrusted to the country, the former fancy-dealer's apprentice
entering the arena of virtuous and patriotic speculation, as a bull;
and, if with more caution, with at least some portion of the energy
and obstinacy of the desperate animal that gives title to this class of
adventurers. Success crowned his laudable efforts; gold rolled in
upon him like water on a flood, buoying him up, soul and body, to that
enviable height, where, as it would seem, just views can alone be taken
of society in its innumerable phases. All his former views of life,
which, in common with others of a similar origin and similar political
sentiments, he had imbibed in early years, and which might with
propriety be called near views, were now completely obscured by the
sublimer and broader prospect that was spread before him.

I am afraid the truth will compel me to admit, that my ancestor was
never charitable in the vulgar acceptation of the term; but then, he
always maintained that his interest in his fellow-creatures was of a
more elevated cast, taking a comprehensive glance at all the bearings
of good and evil--being of the sort of love which induces the parent to
correct the child, that the lesson of present suffering may produce
the blessings of future respectability and usefulness. Acting on
these principles, he gradually grew more estranged from his species in
appearance, a sacrifice that was probably exacted by the severity of his
practical reproofs for their growing wickedness, and the austere policy
that was necessary to enforce them. By this time, my ancestor was also
thoroughly impressed with what is called the value of money; a sentiment
which, I believe, gives its possessor a livelier perception than common
of the dangers of the precious metals, as well as of their privileges
and uses. He expatiated occasionally on the guaranties that it was
necessary to give to society, for its own security; never even voted for
a parish officer unless he were a warm substantial citizen; and began to
be a subscriber to the patriotic fund, and to the other similar little
moral and pecuniary buttresses of the government, whose common and
commendable object was, to protect our country, our altars, and our
firesides.

The death-bed of my mother has been described to me as a touching and
melancholy scene. It appears that as this meek and r