[CHAPTER XXIX.]
SYSTEM IN ACCOUNTS.—LETTER FROM PROF. STUART.—LETTERS.—DIARY.—DR. HAMILTON.—FATHER MATTHEW.
"January 1, 1849.—The habit of keeping an account of my expenditures for objects other than for my family, and for strictly legal calls, I have found exceedingly convenient and satisfactory; as I have been sometimes encouraged, by looking back to some entry of aid to a needy institution or individual, to do twice as much for some other needy institution or individual. I can truly say, that I deem these outlays my best, and would not, if I could by a wish, have any of them back again. I adopted the practice, ten years ago, of spending my income. The more I give, the more I have; and do most devoutly and heartily pray God that I may be faithful in the use of the good things intrusted to me."
"January 2.—Yesterday, Peter C. Brooks died, aged eighty-two; a man who has minded his own business through life, and from a poor boy became the richest man in the city. I honor him as an honest man."
(FROM PROF. STUART, OF ANDOVER.)
"Andover, January 23, 1849.
"My dear Sir: Soon after my daughter's return from Boston, I received a garment exceedingly appropriate to the severe cold to which I am daily exposed in my rides. Many, many hearty thanks for your kindness! To me the article in question is of peculiar value. The cold can hardly penetrate beneath such a garment. God has blessed you with wealth; but he has given you a richer blessing still; that is, a heart overflowing with kindness to your fellow-beings, and a willingness to do good to all as you have opportunity. I accept, with warm emotions of gratitude and thankfulness, the kindness you have done to me. I would not exchange your gift for a large lump of the California gold. Be assured you have my fervent prayer and wishes, that you may at last receive a thousand-fold for all the kindness that you have shown to your fellow-men. You and I are near our final account. May I not hope that this will also be entering on our final reward? I do hope this; I must hope it. What else is there in life that can make us patiently and submissively and calmly endure its ills? God Almighty bless and sustain and guide and comfort you until death; and then may you pass through the dark valley without a fear, cheerfully looking to what lies beyond it!
"I am, my dear sir, with sincere gratitude, your friend and obedient servant,
Moses Stuart."
To President Hopkins he writes, Jan. 3:
"Your letters always bring light to our path, and joy to our hearts, in one way or another. The two last seemed to come at the very time to do both, in a way to impress our senses and feelings, as the clear heavens, and brilliant sky, and exhilarating atmosphere, of this charming cold day, do mine, in contrast with a beautiful bouquet of flowers on my table as a love-token from some of my young sleigh-riding friends, and which makes me feel a boy with these boys, and an old man with such wise ones as you.
"In the scenes of the past year, much that will mark its character stands out in bold relief; and, if we of this country are true to our principles, the great brotherhood of man will be elevated; for there have been overturns and overturns which will act until He whose right it is shall reign. If we live up to our political professions, our Protestant religion will elevate the millions who will be brought under our levelling process. 'Level up,' but not down, was Judge Story's maxim of democratic levelling, as he began his political career. In the business of levelling up, the Lawrence Academy, I trust, may do something. The late notices of it have been somewhat various by the newspaper editors to whom the preceptor sent catalogues."
"February 25.—Attended Brattle-street Church this morning, and heard a consolatory sermon; and, at the closing prayer, the giving of thanks to our Father in heaven, through Jesus Christ, who lived to serve us, and died to save us."
On the 28th, he writes to his brother Abbott, who had had tendered to him, by General Taylor, the office of Secretary of the Navy:
"Dear Brother: I have heard since noon that you have the invitation of General Taylor to take a seat in his cabinet, and that you will proceed to Washington forthwith to answer for yourself. I am not less gratified by the offer than you can be; but I should feel deep anguish, if I thought you could be induced to accept it, even for a brief period. Your name and fame as a private citizen is a better inheritance for your children than any distinction you may attain from official station; and the influence you can exercise for your country and friends, as you are, is higher and better than any you can exercise as an official of the government."