while
his discernment was keen to detect false sentiment or flashy sophisms.
Again, some startling event would bring conventional customs and maxims
to the judgment-bar of pure Christian ethics, when his moral indignation
blazed forth with impartial equity against all degrading views of human
nature, debasing prejudices, and distrust of national progress,--sparing
no tyrant, however wealthy or high in station; pleading for the
downcast, however lowly; hoping for the fallen, however scorned. Thanks
to this clear-sighted moralist, he gave me, in his own example, a
standard of generous Optimism too sun-bright ever to be eclipsed. Let it
not be inferred from these hasty outlines, however, that Dr. Dewey
was habitually grave, or intent on serious topics solely, in social
intercourse So far from this, he continually startled one by his swift
transitions from solemn discourse to humorous descriptions of persons,
places, experiences. And as the Misses Cabot and my mother alike
regarded healthful laughter, cheery sallies, and childlike gayety as
a wise relief for overwrought brains or high-strung sensibilities, our
fireside sparkled with brilliant repartees and scintillating mirth. It
is [137] pleasantly remembered that, in such by-play, Dr. Dewey, while
often satirical, and prone to good-tempered banter, was never cynical,
and was intolerant of personal gossip or he intrusion of mean slander.
And to close the chapter of boyhood's acquaintance, it is gratefully
recalled how cordially sympathetic this earnest apostle was with my
youthful studies, trials, aspirations. All recollections, indeed, of
my uncle's curate--whom, as is well-known, le wished to become his
colleague--are charming; and before my matriculation at Harvard, one
of my most trusted religious guides was Orville Dewey." The Wares, both
Henry and William, were among my father's dearest friends at this time,
and the intimacy was interrupted only by death.

To Rev. Henry Ware.

NEW BEDFORD, Feb. 2, 1824. MY DEAR FRIEND,

There is a great cause committed to us,--not that of a party, but that
of principles. A contest as important as that of the Reformation is to
pass here, and I trust,-though with trembling,--I trust in God that
it is to be maintained with a better spirit. I cannot help feeling
that generations as boundless as shall spread from the Atlantic to the
Pacific shores wait for the result. The importance of everything that
is doing for the improvement of th