A more delightful picture than this of Mr. Lawson, could not well be drawn
by the social perfectionist. The rational beauty of the voluntary system
could not find a happier illustration; and, duly impressed
with its loveliness, we shall cease to wonder at the instances of excellence,
equally frequent and admirable, which rose up among this little group
of exiles, to the good fortune of the country which gave them shelter,
and in attestation of their own virtues. But this happy result
was due entirely to their training. It would be wonderful, indeed, if such
an education, toil and watch, patient endurance of sickness and suffering,
sustained only by sympathy with one another and a humble reliance
upon divine mercy, should not produce many perfect characters --
men like Francis Marion, the beautiful symmetry of whose moral structure
leaves us nothing to regret in the analysis of his life.
Uncompromising in the cause of truth, stern in the prosecution of his duties,
hardy and fearless as the soldier, he was yet, in peace,
equally gentle and compassionate, pleased to be merciful, glad and ready
to forgive, sweetly patient of mood, and distinguished throughout
by such prominent virtues, that, while always sure of the affections
of followers and comrades, he was not less secure in the unforced confidence
of his enemies, among whom his integrity and mercy were proverbial.
By their fruits, indeed, shall we know this community, the history of which
furnishes as fine a commentary upon the benefit of good social training
for the young -- example and precept happily keeping concert
with the ordinary necessities and performances of life,
the one supported by the manliest courage, the other guided
by the noblest principle -- as any upon record.*

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* It is one of the qualifications of the delight which an historian feels
while engaged in the details of those grateful episodes which frequently