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his summer residence , and there it is that his friends best love to think of him , happy in the exercise of domestic affections , of liberal hospitality , and of pure tastes . There , were words let fall , nowremembered and treasured , which shewed that gentle , refined emotions were stirring within ; that the progress of the
seasons , the analogies between the course of nature and of human life , were not lost upon him ; and while he watched the changes of the autumnal verdure , or marked the lofty growth of trees which . his own hand had planted , he was not unmindful of the implied warning of advancing years and approaching decay . These pure sources of enjoyment never
failed . During the last autumn , while sinking under disease , and subject to > frequent paroxysms of intense suffering , his relish for natural beauty seemed in no degree lessened : and during his hours of ease , he enjoyed an undecaying pleasure in the contemplation of verdure , sunshine , and shade . In him , the cultivation of pure tastes found its sufficient and appropriate reward .
The wealth which he had honourably gained was liberally and generously employed in the encouragement of the fine arts , the exercise of hospitality , and in works of unostentatious beneficence . Few who possess such various and extensive means of doing good , make so > diligent a use of them : few leave behind them a fuller record of good deeds .
Mr . Martineau was , from principle as well as education , a Dissenter . His love of civil and religious liberty rendered him a worthy descendant of one who had submitted to expatriation for conscience ' sake . His religious opinions were those of a Unitarian Christian . These opinions were not merely passively received in childhood , and adhered to from the force
of habit : they were the result of enlightened conviction , and were the basis of principles whose clearness and strength afforded him substantial support and an effectual solace during the whole course of an illness so trying to his faith and patience , that principles less firm and consolations less genuine must have given way . During his long life , prosperity
seemed to wait upon him . His health was vigorous , his undertakings successful , and his sorrows few and transient . Yet his principles were not neglected or undermined ; and when he was , at length , called upon to undergo sevete and protracted suffering , these principles were at hand , ready to sustain and cheer him in his passage from this world to another . By his humility and patience , by his in-
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cessant thoughtfulness for the comfort of those around him , by his gratitude for the blessings which had strewed his path of life , by the readiness with which he resigned them , by the calmness with which he watched his gradual descent to the tomb , and the humble hope with which he awaited the awful disclosures
of a future state , —their efficacy was tried . If in one case more peculiarly than in another , the soul * is revealed as it departs , " it is in that of one who , having lived long in uninterrupted prosperity , is withdrawn gradually from the world ,
relinquishing one after another of its enjoyments , and aware that its scenes arc closing upon him for ever . Such a case was this . Here , the revelation was bright and cheering , and now proves the best cousolation to the widow , the child , and the numerous band of relatives and
friends . Though his personal trials were few , Mr . Mavtineau was not without frequent and affecting warnings of the uncertainty of life , and the instability of human hopes and projects . Having no sou , he designed to leave his place in society and his professional eminence to two nephews , who
having successively shared his labours for a short time , were removed by death . He also saw the large and happy family of which he was the head , dispersed far and wide , till in the city of their birth but one representative of the name remained , be . sides himself . Those who remember the animation with which he
hailed the periodical return of the years when ( his family were wont to meet , for the purpose of enjoying such communion as they can scarcely hope to hold again in this world , are assured that the change could not but be deeply felt . Doubtless , he found the consolation which they must cherish while witnessing the inroads of death and sorrow , and looked forward to the time when kindred spirits shall meet in everlasting habitations .
His domestic affections were strong ; and in his domestic relations he was happy . His family mourn not alone . Mr . Martineau was widely known , and where he was known he will be remembered . The grace and polish of his manners and couversation were peculiar , and so striking , that when once seen he was never
forgotteu . But who shall number the hearts that are called on by stronger claims , by claims of gratitude to his skill aud benevolence , by respect for his endowments , and esteem for his virtues , to mourn his loss and honour his memory ? V .
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132 Obituary . —P . M . MUrtineau , Esq .
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Feb. 2, 1829, page 132, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2569/page/60/
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