Page:The Leadbeater Papers (1862) Vol 1.djvu/52

who left him at the age of twenty-eight a sorrowful widower with four young children; the last of whom, a son, was born shortly before the death of his mother, and survived her only two years. Shortly after the death of this child, Richard Shackleton married Elizabeth Carleton. She lived in Dublin with her mother and sister, and their little property was managed with respectable economy. In her youth she indulged in dress as far as possible, she had a musical ear, she sang, and had an uncommon taste for drawing. Before the season of youth was past she renounced those delights, and was faithful and diligent in doing what she believed to be her duty. Her adopted children witnessed this, and they repaid her kindness with filial affection. Lads have been educated in the family, and were surprised to hear afterwards that my father's children were born of different mothers. The worthy pair were desirous above all things to promote the cause of truth and righteousness, and were anxiously concerned faithfully to discharge the arduous occupation in which they were engaged. Richard Shackleton was a man of wit and learning, he had a genius for poetry, and was conversant with the classics. Superior to these was his deep and solid understanding, and, far excelling all, an honest and benevolent heart; these he possessed. His conversasation was delightful, for he was unassuming and condescending; it was instructive, for amid the blaze of superior talents humility shone unrivalled. He was the gentleman, the scholar, and the Christian. His cheerful temper caused him to enjoy every good, while his