id its
perplexities, (although numbers had been unfortunate around him,) with
as good success as could be expected at this time, on account of the
restrictions on American commerce. One probable reason may be assigned
why he had been more successful in his business than many others: he was
guided in the management of his affairs by vigilance and industrious
perseverance, and he was not only endued with the best abilities to
fulfil the duties incumbent on his station in life, but was not remiss
in the exercise of them. His manners, generally, were reserved, though
he could be humorous and gay whenever occasion required; and when in
convivial society, he could make one among the number of those who
amused themselves in sallies of wit and pleasantry. He had acquired much
useful and general information in his commerce with the world at large,
which he employed at this time in various conversations on politics, as
he could not be able to render himself serviceable to his country in any
other way, being exempt from his childhood from performing military
duty. His personal advantages were only surpassed by the superior
qualifications of his mind, that had long been under religious influence
and impressions. In his public and private life he fully answered the
expectations of his numerous acquaintance and friends, as well as the
most sanguine wishes of an anxious and affectionate father, who yet
seemed disposed to indulge in melancholy reflections, while his friends
kindly endeavoured, by many pious and philosophical discourses, to
awaken him to a consideration of his former piety, and humble trust in
an all-wise Providence, reminding him that our greatest consolation
consists in resigned and devotional feelings of gratitude to our Maker,
even in the severest afflictions; who, although he may have thought fit
to deprive us of some, for the many remaining blessings we may still be
in possession of; and that a firm reliance on Providence, however our
affections may be at variance with its dispensations, is the only
consolatory source that we can have recourse to in the gloomy hours of
distress; and that such dependance, though often crossed by troubles and
difficulties, may at length be crowned with success in our most arduous
undertakings, and we may again meet with unlooked-for and unexpected
happiness.

"Afflictions all his children feel,
Affliction is the Father's rod;
He wounds them for his mercy sake,
He wound