We may perhaps be excused here for quoting what Mr. Felkin says about Mr. Strutt:—

“An intellect singularly clear and cool was combined in him with the faculty of devising inventions and improvements which he carried into effect with unwearied energy of mind and purpose, impressing themselves on the entire conduct of his establishments as they increased in magnitude. His tenacity of principle and moral fortitude resulted from his confidence that his determinations were founded upon truth. His convictions in regard to general views of society were equally strong. His political and religious opinions were adopted because he thought them sound and conclusive to the happiness of mankind.”

Mr. Strutt seems to have been singularly void of ambition for worldly distinction; he was only ambitious of the blessing that follows duty done.

Although the practice of writing your own epitaph cannot be exactly commended, the writer of this brief memoir may perhaps be excused for inserting in it the words found a few years ago amongst Jedediah Strutt’s papers, and in his own handwriting:—

“Here rests in peace J. S—— who without fortune family or friends raised to himself a fortune family and name in the world; without having wit, had a good share of plain common sense; without much genius, enjoyed the more substantial blessing of a sound understanding; with but little personal pride, despised a mean or base action; with no ostentation for religious tenets and ceremonies, he led a life of honesty and virtue, not knowing what would befall him after death, he died resigned in full confidence that if there be a future state of retribution it will be to reward the virtuous and the good.

“This I think my true character.

“J. Strutt.”

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