New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-05-08
NEW PUBLICATIONS.
A coon CITIZEN.

GOOD ClTlIEN.
LIFE OF AMOS A. LAWRENCE. Win hxtrsCu -,
his Diary and Correspondence. BY MS son Liz
LAwREScE. l2mo.. Up. $50. Houghton' Mm'" 70
This nleasartlv written memoir records the main
events In the life OF American Citizen VINO ou hs
duty simply and con- cientously IS Christian patr-
Of merchant, father and FRIEND ana ~nose "noio
career illustrates those virtues the CULTIVATION VI
which Is most necessary to the health ana stsoy VI
human society. Amos Lawrence wss so happy a. 70
inherit from intellectual family strong business
ATTITUDES and sufficient means to smooth his entrance
into life His fortune he built with his own hands,
and With his own hands he distributed IL wisely and
generously He held that to despise riches was fooE
ISL inasnuch as the moreylcss man could never carry
into effect his desire to help others; and upon this
prtpciple he acted steadily. The profits OK COM
merce he held as in trust and tho greater they were
the larger his bcnefactions
Bred Unitarian he joired the Episcopal com
munion from conviction. But his religion was too
much part Of his nature to harbor sectarisn narrow
moss, and his faith proved BY deed all his life.
In politics he originally Democrat OF the con-
seryatfve or "hunher" type; but his Democracy was
not proof against Southern treason, and from the
moment the first gun fred on Sumter he was
Republican and remained in close ailiaton with that
party until his death. When the Free Sol! struggle
began Amos Lawrence threw himself with character
istic energy into the Emigrant Aid movement he
sustained the organization during the greater part OF
the contest with his purse. His clear intelligence
directed the Free Soil policy perhaps moro than any
other influence. He when 1t was necessary 70
withstand the Border Ruhians with force ana arms,
ard be took care that plenty Of sharps rifles were
dispatched to the Free Sellers. When Governor Rob-
tnson was arrested with his colleagues and friends he
procured counsel for them. He recognized the SIN
certy and energy Of John Brown though he could not
approve his impractcablo designs. The ATTACK on
Harper's Ferry was complete surprise to him, but
when Brown in custody Lawrence was among the
first to solicit such aid for him as was procursole In
the circumstances and he obtained the means Oh SUD
sfstence for his widow and children.
At the outbreak Of the war he q man OF middle
age with large family and great business; yet his
desire to go the front strong as that OF any
youth and when dissuadod from active service by his
friends he raised a battalion became drillmaster,
looked after hospital and sanitary affairs. contributed
largely OF ways to the successful conduct OF
the struggle, and infused the spirit Of his vigorous
patriotism into all about him. An alumnus of Har-
ward and many years treasurer Of the college, the
foundation was always object Of thoughtful afec-
ton as his gift Of Lawrence Hall tcses, and his &C
tivity in the organization of the Memorial Common
grafton building. The Lawrence University Of Wis
consn and the State University Of Kansas owed
much to the Boston merchants uberality. He also
built churches and rectores, and presented them and
while thus giving away with both hands he took caro-
that each Of his seven children should be secured
against failure in nte far as that was possible Mr.
awrences personal habits were marked by the strong
common sense which distinguished him. lie took
great deal OF exercise in the open air. by preference
on horseback and this fondness for riding he preserved
TO the last He also like Bryant believed In gymnas
ties and while college he had learned to spar, IN
after years he pracsed regularly with the dumbbells
Thus he kept himself in vigorous health well into old
age and full Of energy was he that ho did not
hesitate when past seventy, to extend bis business
largely.
Few men have lived happier, larger, more prac-
tIcally useful life He had many friends and enjoyed
their society He liked to live in the country and was
able to satisfy this preference. The means to carry
out his benefcent enterprises never failed him. All
that could make old age pleasant was given to him In
full measure. Respect, honor. affection, surrounded
him. And when the end camo 1t was as he had
wished sudden that he could not have felt the great
change This a prosperous life. singulary blessed
In many ways and such life as deserved to be
blessed, for II devoted to noble and pous action
Happy tho country and the time wherein such men
as Amos Lawrence abound. Happy also the country
tina. prizes and such and
the records and the memories Of them for example and
encouragement.