change in her institutions may have been ill-founded—­but his motives have ever been beyond the reach of suspicion or reproach.  They were concentrated in the desire for her good.  Her people, her soil, her laws, her customs, nay, even her prejudices, were dear to him—­they were his household gods.  He worshipped them, he lived for them, and he would have died for them......

“The private character of Mr. Brock presents an embellishing and graceful adjunct to his public qualities.  Bold even to temerity in his acts; firm even to obstinacy in his opinions; entertaining an exalted estimate of the office that he filled, and of the interests that he embodied or represented in his person, he was, at the same time, simple, courteous, and benevolent in his private manner, to a degree that was as honorable to himself, as it was gratifying to those who came in contact with him.  Mr. Brock on the bench, and Mr. Brock in private, were distinct characters.  In the former position, conscious, probably, of his talents and his authority, he was firm, and sometimes, though rarely, in appearance even imperious; in the latter, resigning himself to the feelings of the gentleman, he was affable, kind, and even diffident.  In his privacy he displayed all the attributes of a superior mind.  He was entirely devoid of pride and ostentation:  his mind was superior to the weakness they denote.  He disdained the conventional habits of society, for nature had created him a gentleman, and he needed not the aid of art.  He mingled not in that society where he might have received the homage to which his talents were entitled.  He spent his time in study, or in working for the public welfare; his relaxations being in his fields and garden, or in the conversation of casual visitors who, uninvited, occasionally resorted to his unceremonious and hospitable roof.  Ardent as he was in political discussions, prone as he was to enter into controversy, the feelings of animosity which he expressed died in their utterance.  The adversary of to-day was the welcome guest of the morrow.  The hand which had distilled the gall of disputation at one moment, was readily extended in kind fellowship the next.  Mr. Brock was probably not exempt from failings, but he had certainly nothing of littleness about him.  He respected an honorable and open adversary, more than a flattering and servile friend.  His hostility was strong, but it was shortlived:  his enmity was vigorous, but it had no memory.  In other respects, too, he evinced a generous and benevolent heart.  At all seasons and under all circumstances, his time and attention were willingly devoted to those who sought his assistance or advice.  He was the friend and counsellor of all.  Many is the angry feeling he has allayed—­many the lawsuit he has prevented—­many the family division he has closed.  His kind offices were at the command of all.  No labour was too great for him, when called on for his assistance; but if at any time he found himself obliged to reject