This great philosopher may indeed be styled a phenomenon in nature! The
many literary qualifications he possesses rank him foremost among literary
characters.----That unequalled production from the pen of this wonderful
philosopher, denominated "_A Pickle for the Knowing Ones_," has not only
received universal applause, and been ranked as of the first magnitude
in the literary world, but has had such rapidity in its sale, that a
copy cannot be procured, though diligently sought after by men of the
most transcendant merit.
Where can we find a man so extensively useful, and so eminently
calculated to diffuse light to a dark and ignorant multitude, as this
rare philosopher? How penetrating his understanding! How deep his
ideas! What a multitude of discoveries which before were hid in embryo,
have made their appearance at the nod of his genius! Surely we may say,
Blessed are the people who are highly favored with the greatest Luminary
that ever gave light to an existing world!!
While aiming at a just portrait of this remarkable Naturalist and
Philosopher, his generosity is no less a subject of admiration, than
his literary and philosophical abilities. The readiness with which his
benevolent soul bestows donations calls forth the grateful acknowledgement
of all who have been liberally assisted from his bountiful hand.
See him the first to assist in building a church for the worship of
God! See him liberally give for the purchase of bells, the ready cash,
without hesitation! See him expending his fortune to preserve in
everlasting romembrance, characters who have shone with unexampled
greatness in Europe and America! Here the subject fails. Vain man may
as well attempt to stop the course of nature, as to do ample justice to
this wonderful man!
Behold all nature stands aghast
To hear thy fame from east to west!
How great how grand of thee we hear,
Thou man of sense--thou eastern star!
All men inquire--but few can tell
How thou in science doth excel!
Great philosophic genius, we,
The meanest reptiles, bow the knee.
At thy majestic shrine we shrink!
What can we do, or say, or think!
When contemplating on thy worth.
Which hath astonish'd all the earth.
Great DEXTER, did the world do right,
Thy name would shine with brilliant light!
Each would declare thy wond'rous fame,
And shout at DEXTER'S mighty name!
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