James Otis The Pre-Revolutionist [60]
He was fitted for College by the Rev. Jonathan Russell of Barnstable, and was so industrious in his studies that he was ready in his fifteenth year to enter as a freshman at Harvard in June, 1739.
9. There is grave reason for believing that his excessive devotion to study at this early period, had much to do with his nervous and excitable condition in succeeding years.
10. "Make haste slowly" is the translation of a Latin motto, which parents and teachers ought to observe in the education of children.
11. Far better is it for the student to take time in making a thorough preparation for the great work of life, than to rush through his preparatory course at the great risk of health and strength. Let him aim ever be to present "a sound mind in a sound body."
12. James Otis was graduated from college in 1743, after completing a four years successful course.
13. After graduation he wisely gave nearly two years to the pursuits of general literature and science before entering upon the law.
14. In this, he set a good example to the young men of the present day, who are so strongly tempted to enter at once upon professional life, without laying a broad and deep foundation for future usefulness.
15. James Otis was very fond of the best poets, and "in the zealous emulation of their beauties," says Dr. Magoon, "he energized his spirit and power of expression.
16. "He did not merely read over the finest passages--he pondered them--he fused them into his own soul, and reproduced their charms with an energy all his own."
17. In 1745 he entered the law office of Jeremiah Gridley, in Boston, who was then one of the most distinguished lawyers in the country.
18. He began the practice of law in Plymouth, in 1748, but soon found that he was "cabined, cribbed and confined" in the opportunity to rise in such a small place.
19. In 1750 he removed to Boston, and there finding full scope for his powers, soon rose to the foremost rank in his profession.
20. He justly won the high place so generally accorded him, by his learning, his integrity, and his marvelous eloquence.
21. In acting successfully as counsel for the three men who were accused of piracy in Halifax, he received a well earned fee, which was the largest that had ever been paid to a Massachusetts lawyer.
22. Like James A. Garfield, he kept up a lively interest in classical studies during his entire professional career.
23. James Otis married Miss Ruth Cunningham, daughter of a Boston merchant, early in 1755.
24. The marriage was not in all respects a happy one, partly on account of political differences. While he became an ardent patriot, she remained a staunch loyalist until her death on Nov. 15, 1789.
25. Another reason for the want of complete domestic felicity was the peculiar character of his genius, which, so often glowing, excitable and irregular, must have frequently demanded a home forbearance almost miraculous.
26. The elder daughter, Elizabeth, married a Captain Brown of the British army, and ended her days in England. 27. The younger daughter, Mary, married Benjamin, the eldest son of the distinguished General Lincoln.
28. In 1761, when he was thirty-six years of age his great political career began, by his determined opposition to the "Writs of Assistance."
29. He said with an eloquence that thrilled every heart, "A man's house is his castle; and while he is quiet, he is as well guarded as a prince in his castle. This Writ, if it should be declared legal, would totally annihilate this privilege."
30. "I am determined to sacrifice estate, ease, health, applause and even life, to the sacred calls of my country in opposition to a kind of power, the exercise of which cost one king his head and another his throne."
31. In 1762 he published a pamphlet entitled, "The Rights of the Colonies Vindicated," which attracted great attention in England for its finished diction and masterly arguments.
32. In this production he firmly took the unassailable position, that
9. There is grave reason for believing that his excessive devotion to study at this early period, had much to do with his nervous and excitable condition in succeeding years.
10. "Make haste slowly" is the translation of a Latin motto, which parents and teachers ought to observe in the education of children.
11. Far better is it for the student to take time in making a thorough preparation for the great work of life, than to rush through his preparatory course at the great risk of health and strength. Let him aim ever be to present "a sound mind in a sound body."
12. James Otis was graduated from college in 1743, after completing a four years successful course.
13. After graduation he wisely gave nearly two years to the pursuits of general literature and science before entering upon the law.
14. In this, he set a good example to the young men of the present day, who are so strongly tempted to enter at once upon professional life, without laying a broad and deep foundation for future usefulness.
15. James Otis was very fond of the best poets, and "in the zealous emulation of their beauties," says Dr. Magoon, "he energized his spirit and power of expression.
16. "He did not merely read over the finest passages--he pondered them--he fused them into his own soul, and reproduced their charms with an energy all his own."
17. In 1745 he entered the law office of Jeremiah Gridley, in Boston, who was then one of the most distinguished lawyers in the country.
18. He began the practice of law in Plymouth, in 1748, but soon found that he was "cabined, cribbed and confined" in the opportunity to rise in such a small place.
19. In 1750 he removed to Boston, and there finding full scope for his powers, soon rose to the foremost rank in his profession.
20. He justly won the high place so generally accorded him, by his learning, his integrity, and his marvelous eloquence.
21. In acting successfully as counsel for the three men who were accused of piracy in Halifax, he received a well earned fee, which was the largest that had ever been paid to a Massachusetts lawyer.
22. Like James A. Garfield, he kept up a lively interest in classical studies during his entire professional career.
23. James Otis married Miss Ruth Cunningham, daughter of a Boston merchant, early in 1755.
24. The marriage was not in all respects a happy one, partly on account of political differences. While he became an ardent patriot, she remained a staunch loyalist until her death on Nov. 15, 1789.
25. Another reason for the want of complete domestic felicity was the peculiar character of his genius, which, so often glowing, excitable and irregular, must have frequently demanded a home forbearance almost miraculous.
26. The elder daughter, Elizabeth, married a Captain Brown of the British army, and ended her days in England. 27. The younger daughter, Mary, married Benjamin, the eldest son of the distinguished General Lincoln.
28. In 1761, when he was thirty-six years of age his great political career began, by his determined opposition to the "Writs of Assistance."
29. He said with an eloquence that thrilled every heart, "A man's house is his castle; and while he is quiet, he is as well guarded as a prince in his castle. This Writ, if it should be declared legal, would totally annihilate this privilege."
30. "I am determined to sacrifice estate, ease, health, applause and even life, to the sacred calls of my country in opposition to a kind of power, the exercise of which cost one king his head and another his throne."
31. In 1762 he published a pamphlet entitled, "The Rights of the Colonies Vindicated," which attracted great attention in England for its finished diction and masterly arguments.
32. In this production he firmly took the unassailable position, that