The Wilmingtons Volume 1; A Novel (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1850 Excerpt: ...what a power of self-government, what virtuous resolution, must have been exercised, when he who might do with impunity almost anything that is wrong, adheres stedfastly to what is right; when he who has the means to command every indulgence is temperate and self-denying; when he to whom every infirmity of temper would be forgiven is patient and gentle; when he who can make speedy amends for any injustice committed under the temptation of the moment, commits none; when he who has had no education of suffering is pitying to others; when he who might perform almost every duty by proxy, chooses to perform them in person. The old man's walks in this life lead him little in the way of courts; but she who sits upon a pinnacle is seen in a certain manner, even by those upon the distant plain; and never are the weekly prayers repeated in her behalf but he feels the justice of thus calling down the blessings of a higher assistance for one, whose virtues, not forced upon her, as it were, by external circumstance--as in so great a degree is the case with us all--must find their sole source in her own righteous and determined heart. Whose faults, not repressed by the harsh influences from without, must be eradicated by her own firm and courageous will. Duty thus fulfilled deserves what it meets with, --the love and esteem of a vast nation's heart, and the animating and never-dying voice of historic applause. But to return to one who, in her lofty sphere had fulfilled all the duties of Christian wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend; whose charities had been wide as her influence; whose love unbounded; whose industry, energy, and application untiring; with whom each day was as a branch of life's tree, producing noble fruit; and who now, loaded with the well-earned h...