The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1845-04-21
Moral and Religious.
TRUE HERoIsM-ExAMPLET TO MERCHANTS.

TRUE OVERWHELMINGLY MERCHANTS.
The annals Of no country furnish finer specimens Of
heroism and moral worth, in mercantile life, than the
early history Of Republic. The time-honored
names Of SAMUEL ADAMS, JoHN HANCOCK,
UENRY LAyRENs, and other contemporaries still
shine, stars in the armament. These noble Patr-
merchants that could with cheerlulness and
dignity, not only sacrifice personal and domestic
comfort, but hazard life for their counry'S freedom
and the of justice, -utterly dosPising IN com
parison, the charms of wealth, or royal favor
In reference to Mr. Adams, the following facts, de-
rived in part from olives Of American Merchants,
published by Saxon g. Miles, should inspire emua-
ton When threats and caresses had proved equal
ly unayaling, Gov. Gage, being empowered TO make
etil further attempts upon his integrity, sent Col.
Fentoa with verbal, confidential Misrepresentation
" portraying the importance of reconciliation
surfing him that the Governor authorized to con-
fer on him such honors and privileges would be
entirely satisfactory, If he would but opposing
the British Govenment-thnt by changing his course
he might not only great personal advantages,
but, in thus making his peace with the king, might
avert the dread consequences no had reason to fear,
Gom his displeasure.
Aler listening attentiveIy, Mr. Adams cody asked
Col Fenton, If he would truly deliver his reply, ms it
should be given. To which, with hesitation,
DO assented, and pledged his word Of honor.
Then rising from his chair, Mr. Adams said ,-"I
trust sir, have long since made my peace Nth the
King Of kings. No personal consideration shall in
duco to abandon the righteous cause ofmy coun-
try. Tell Gov Gage, it is the advice Of Samuel Ad-
ans to him, no longer TO insult The feelings oran ca
asperated people'"
With full knowledge ofhs poriIous situation, the
sbec, Of ministerial vengeance, aboring under heavy
pecuninry embarrassmens, his confidence was in
Heaven and the justice Of his And fully up
preciotng ''the honor which comethfrom God only
be could thus cast from him, utterly contemplate,
in the comparison, the most splendid gifts ofroyalty,
-preferring poverty, peril, and even death, 10 tho
rewards of unrghteous gain
The foundation OF all this religious principle,
and the of eternal justice. In all his tempta-
tons, he pursued undertaking, consistent course,
n Christian professor. He faithful in the OBJ
Of divine institutions regular in the PERFORM
snce Of family devotion, and pattern of excellence
in the varied relations Of private well public
ife; and amid his multiplied duties, could find time
to write and publish in defence Of Christianity.
This man, unlike the too generally pursu-
ed in reference TO cleks,) had BEEN educated, mot
merely. chiefly, with view to money making,-
as though that the great end of existence. lie
Ind been conscienousIy trained for t,co ,corldsthe
enc momentary, the other everlasting and in pre-
pairing for line of business, had learned it was no
stoop of dignity, but the highest mark Of wisdom, 10
think Of the line that is leading 10 immo, tuiy-M
Y. Telegraph.