[r2 ]
in his failures, he gave evidence of the influence of
christian principle apd ardent piety.
  He became a citizen of Lexington, and begun the
world, when speculation of every kind, was in Lex-
ington at its zenith. His plans were extensive and
his hopes high, and he partook considerably of the
spirit of the times, and the spirit of the place.
Inexperience, a sanguine temper, and too much con-
fidence in men, exposed him at this tine to miscal-
culation -unfortunate pecuniary ventures, and con-
sequent pecuniary losses.-It will be. well for our
town, and for our country at large, if the spirit of
speculation-producing sudden and artificial gain,
or deep and intolerable loss-affect them as they
did our departed friend, towards heaven.-It will
be well, if it only give, with sudden wealth. more
mearls of serving God-or, with sudden losses here,
more love to that kingdom where "moth and rust
cannot corrupt" possession, and to that God "with
whom there is no variableness, nor shadow of turn-
ing." It wifl be well indeed, if it do not unsettle
the foundation-principles of society, and mingle with
the causes not only of personal, but national corrup-
tion, and -national ruin.
  The commencement of his public life was as flat-
tering as could have been desired. The largest
vote which ever had been given in Fayette county,
marked at once the respect which the community
paid to the talents and to the services of the de.
ceased father, and the hopes and confidence which
they cherished towards thew son. Nor amidst the ev-
er-changing opinions and changing political parties,