ESSAYS AND MEMORANDA SELECTED FROM THE DIARY AND OTHER MSS. OF THE LATE FREDERIC JAMES POST. 1 ESSAY — A trial — attempt — endeavour. — DR. Johnson. ESSAYS, &c. 1829, 7 mo. 20th. - A short Account of the last Illness and Death of my Relation, JOHN Row, who departed this Life on the 7th of 7th Month, 1829, aged 63 Years. "Brother, thou art gone before us, And thy saintly soul is flown Where tears are wiped from every eye, And sorrow is unknown." JOHN Row was born in London, in the year 1766 he led a very circumspect life, and was a great friend to all charitable institutions. By trade, he was a silk manufacturer; but of late he did not profess to do any business, having plenty to live upon. - My aunt, E— P—, was his housekeeper; and my father and mother frequently called in upon him when they had any business to transact in town. He lived in a large house in Steward Street; but, a short time before his decease, he bought a house at Dalston, where he used to spend a part of the week. I, my mother, and another friend, drank tea with him the night before his decease, when he appeared as well as usual; early the next morning, being third day, he was taken with a violent pain in his chest. At the commencement, he did not appear aware that this illness would terminate his valuable life, having risen with a view of going to his usual meeting held on that day. The doctor who attended, never left him till the hour of his death- an awful hour!when he was summoned before the tribunal of God and yet it was a joyful hour; for, behold! Mercy, Justice, and Virtue, are leading him to the mansions of everlasting rest, where he shall for ever sing praises to the Saviour of the world. His sufferings were very acute, but a merciful Redeemer did not permit them to last long; for his spirit quitted its earthly tenement about twenty minutes past one o'clock, on the same day, his illness having lasted only eight hours. Few have been more lamented by their friends; few more deservedly beloved by those who knew him. He was a great friend to the poor, who must severely feel his loss. He will also be missed by friends in general; for, as he kept an open house, there were many that availed themselves of his hospitality. First day, the 12th, was fixed for the interment: his remains were enclosed in a shell covered with lead, owing to the rapid change; this was finally put into a handsome coffin, and his corpse was carried into meeting. We had a beautiful sermon from Richard Phillips and also spoke, giving a character of the deceased, and the shortness of his illness. The funeral was conducted with great neatness and decorum: there were twelve glass coaches, and two hackney coaches with company, besides a great number of persons that went on foot. He was buried at Whitechapel buryingground. Two ministers, and a person not a friend-spoke at the grave. One friend, also, engaged in supplication. The invited company K |