his pen was in favor of Christian truth, and the light that cheered him in death emanated from the Cross.

"He is a freeman whom the truth makes free,

And all are slaves besides."

CHAPTER IV.

JOSIAH QUINCY, JR.

ORATOR OF REFINED ENTHUSIASM.

"His

THIS distinguished patriot was born in Boston, February 23d, 1744. His temperament was ardent, and his sensibilities were extremely acute. He acquired the rudiments of a classical education at Braintree, and, in 1759, entered Harvard College, where he distinguished himself for upright conduct and ripe scholarship. He graduated in 1763, and in due course took his second degree, with very high reputation. His theme on the occasion was "Patriotism," and is said to have been remarkable both on account of its composition and delivery. taste," says his biographer, "was refined by an intimate acquaintance with the ancient classics, and his soul elevated and touched by the spirit of freedom they breathe. His compositions during this period also prove, that he was extensively conversant with the best writers of the French and English schools. Above all, the genius of Shakspeare seems to have led captive his youthful imagination. In his writings, quotations, or forms of expression, modelled upon those of that author, perpetually occur. There still exists among his papers, a manuscript of the date of 1762, he then being in the junior

class of the college, of seventy closely and minutely written quarto pages of extracts from that author.

Mr. Quincy read law in the office of Oxenbridge Thatcher, the distinguished advocate who was associated with James Otis against the Writs of Assistance. Mr. Thatcher died in 1765. Mr. Quincy had not then completed his preparatory studies, but remained the residue of his student's term, took a general oversight of the business of the office, and therein succeeded to a lucrative and extensive practice. He early made himself conspicuous by the ardor with which he wrote and spoke against the encroachments of the mother country.

The boldness with which Quincy entered upon the great contest is indicated by the following sentiments published by him in 1770, in the midst of great excitement, and only twenty days previous to the Boston.

massacre:

"In answer to the question, 'What end is the nonimportation agreement to answer?' I give the following reply:

"From a conviction in my own mind, that America is now the slave of Britain; from a sense that we are every day more and more in danger of an increase of our burdens, and a fastening of our shackles, I wish to see my countrymen break off-off for ever!-all social intercourse with those whose commerce contaminates, whose luxuries poison, whose avarice is insatiable, and whose unnatural oppressions are not to be borne. That Americans will know their rights, that they will resume, assert, and defend them, are matters of which I harbor no doubt, Whether the arts of policy, or the arts of war

will decide the contest, are problems, that we will solve at a more convenient season. He, whose heart is enamored with the refinements of political artifice and finesse, will seek one mode of relief; he whose heart is free, honest, and intrepid, will pursue another, a bolder, and a more noble mode of redress. This reply is so iņtelligible, that it needs no comment or explanation."

In August, 1774, at the urgent solicitation of his political friends, Mr. Quincy determined to relinquish business and embark for England on a secret mission in behalf of his country. In this enterprise it is believed that he accomplished much good. His efforts were unremitting, and his solicitude were both profound and sincere. This is indicated by the following extract from a letter dated

"LONDON, December 14, 1774.

"In the sight of God, and all just men, the cause is good; we have the wishes of the wise and humane, we have the prayers of the pious, and the universal benison of all who seek to God for direction, aid, and blessing. I own I feel for the miseries of my country; I own I feel much desire for the happiness of my brethren in trouble; but why should I disguise, I feel ineffably, for the honor-the honor, I repeat it-the honor of my country. If in the trial, you prove, as your enemies say, arrant poltroons and cowards, how ineffably contemptible will you appear; how wantonly and superlatively. will you be abused and insulted by your triumphing oppressors!"

On the 16th of March, 1775, Mr. Quincy embarked for Boston. His health was bad, and grew much worse

during the early part of the voyage. After being five weeks at sea, and yet far from his beloved home, he became convinced that death was at hand, and prepared to submit himself to the will of heaven with heroic calmness and Christian resignation. He repeatedly said to his companions that he had but one desire, which was, that he might live long enough to have an interview with Samuel Adams, or Joseph Warren; that granted, he should die content. But this wish was not granted to his patriotic heart.

As he drew near his native shore, the crisis he had so long expected transpired. The battle of Lexington was fought. According to his prediction, "his countrymen sealed their faith and constancy to their liberties with their blood." But he lived not to hear on earth the tidings of that glorious day. "On the 26th of April, 1775, within sight of that beloved country which he was not permitted to reach; neither supported by the kindness of friendship, nor cheered by the voice of affection, he expired; not, indeed, as, a few weeks afterwards, did his friend and co-patriot, Warren, in battle, on a field ever memorable and ever glorious; but in solitude, amidst suffering, without associate, and without witness; yet breathing forth a dying wish for his country, desiring to live only to perform towards her a last and signal service."

A few hours after his death, the ship, with his lifeless remains, arrived at Gloucester, Cape Ann, where the body of this devoted patriot was interred with becoming respect. Mr. Quincy had no opportunity of communicating to his countrymen the result of his observations