Page:Transactions of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia (ser 03 vol 05).djvu/74

lxiv high-toned and well-bred person. He was one of those exceptional characters of whom it is difficult to speak otherwise than in eulogy; for while his virtues were many and great, his blemishes were few and venial—consisting rather in reserve of manner and inflexibility of temperament than in any moral defect. Naturally disposed to be formal and ceremonious, he always bore himself with dignity and self-possession, and gave to casual acquaintance little invitation to familiarity. He moved on a higher plane than most others, and was perhaps too passionless, too distant, to be to ordinary people—who would hardly have failed to feel some constraint in his society—a very agreeable companion; though in the company of his friends, and in the unreserve of social intercourse few were more affable and pleasant.

But these defects, if they impaired his popularity, heightened the veneration with which he was regarded, and won the respect, esteem and confidence of all who approached him. He had no personal vices, and no habits incompatible with the utmost delicacy and refinement. He was a man of marked individuality, undemonstrative deportment, strong will, kindly affections, steady friendships, and firm but liberal mind. He was generous in his hospitality, and loved to surround himself with men of intelligence and learning. Sincere and guileless himself, he disliked all unreality and false sentiment in others. He was strict and unfaltering in his own devotion to duty, and required similar attention on the part of all those with whom he had anything to do. Harmoniously blended with his mental endowments were moral qualities of a very high order. In the battle of life he had, as has been stated, some exceptional advantages; but the result under any circumstances would have been nearly the same; for a resolute nature controls events, and