T h e P R E F A C E . lxxxvii .fare mutt have high ideas of him, as having by religion and virtuous difcipline, got above the common weakneffes of human nature. There was, indeed, no part of his charafter more to be admired than this. His mind was formed for friendfhip. He entered into the true fpirit of it, and had a great relifh for thole {hid intimacies in which only the higheft joys of it can be tatted. But it will be readily concluded from his charaaer, that it muff be with very few that he could enter into fuch in-. timacies. When he did, the generofity of his fpirit, the tendernefs of his affection, and faithful conftancy, mutt render that relation very happy to his friend. His diary thews, that he had fome fuch friend - thips, and he frequently mentions them with a fpirit which became that facred relation. BUT he was a hearty friend, in the ge- neral acceptation of that term, to all men of worth, and ready to do good to all as he had opportunity. He was indeed fparing in profefiions, but never failed in important a is of kindnefs. And where he thought refpet was due, he came fhort of no one in paying it. But had a juft fenf how un- f 4 worthy
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