Page:Sketches of the life and character of Patrick Henry.djvu/410

 Sob SKETCHES OF THE

^^ It seems that every word was watched which I casually dropped, and wrested to answer party views. Who can have been so meanly employed, I know not — nor do 1 care; for I no longer consider myself as an actor on the stage of public life. It is time for me to retire; and I shall never more appear in a public cha- racter, unless some unlooked for circumstance shall demand from me a transient effort, not inconsistent with private life — in which I have determined to continue. I see with concern, our old commander in chief most abusively treated — nor are his long and great services remembered, as any apology for his mistakes in an office to which he was totally unaccustomed. If he, whose character as our leader during the whole war, was above all praise, is so roughly handled in his old age, what may be expected by men of the common standard of character.^ I ever wished he might keep himself clear of the office he bears, and its attendant difficul- ties — ^but I am sorry to see the gross abuse which is published of him. Thus, my dear daughter, have I pestered you with a long letter on politics, which is a subject little interesting to you, except as it may involve my reputation. I have long learned the little value which is to be placed on popularity, acquired by any other way than virtue; and I have also learned that it is often obtained by other means. The view which the rising greatness of our country presents to my eyes, is greatly tarnished by the general prevalence of deism : which with me, is but another name for vice and de- pravity. I am, however, much consoled by reflecting, that the religion of Christ, has from its first appearance in the world, been attacked in vain, by all the wits, philoso- phers, and wise ones, aided by every power of man. and its triumph has been complete. What is there in

�� �