e
venerable Judge bowed his hoary head to the blows that Providence
inflicted. He could not speak to me. His reply to my offer in relation
to his child was only a flood of tears. He then retreated into his
library and locked the door. An aged domestic told me all. Laura had
abandoned her parental roof, and voluntarily entered one of those
sinks of pollution that so much degrade human nature! I stood upon an
awful abyss. The whirlpools of deceit, ingratitude, indifference, and
calumny, howled around me, and the dark floods of sensual corruption
roared below. Turn whithersoever I might (alas, I thought not of
heaven!) gloom, discord, and misery seemed to be my portion.

"I hurried back to Philadelphia, and strove to mitigate my grief in
the vortex of unrestrained dissipation. I lavished my gold on
undeserving and unthankful objects. I cared not for life, much less
for fortune. I was the victim of a frenzy that rendered me reckless,
and bereft me of calm meditation. My frantic laughter was heard at the
gaming-table, and my plaudits were boisterous at the theatre, but I
was a stranger to enjoyment. There was no pleasure for me. My brawling
companions swore I was the happiest and noblest being on earth. But I
knew too well there was not a more miserable fiend in hell.

"At length disease fortunately arrested my demoniac career before my
wealth was expended. It was my good fortune to secure the services of
a distinguished and skillful physician. He was a benevolent and
universally esteemed _Quaker_. His attention was not only constant,
but soothing and parental. His earnest and tender tones often made me
weep. When I recovered, I resolved to amend my life. This _friend_ had
applied a healing balm to my aching heart. I determined to prosecute
my profession, and before a year elapsed my exertions began to be
crowned with success.

"I was a frequent attendant at the lectures, and on terms of the
closest intimacy with the professors. Indeed, I had a prospect of a
professorship myself. I devoted my attention particularly to the
anatomical department of my studies, which I preferred; and it was in
this department of the institution that I would probably be installed
in a few months. The gentleman who occupied that chair was about to
resign, and, being my friend, used his influence to procure my
election.

"My medical friend invited me one evening to be present at a
dissection, which promised to be one of extreme interest. He d