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ster knew he was in the habit of going. The reply was, 'The way, sir, you always do.' Mr.A. spurred up his horse and laughed heartily as before.

When the younger son of Mr. A. was in college, he was fined a dollar for throwing snow-balls in the college yard. He expected that his father would give him a severe lecture when he should read the item, or, in the phraseology of the students, the poetry on his bill. On the contrary, at the sight of it, his usual sternness was relaxed to a smile. It reminded him of something similar in its result, which occurred in his own college life.

He was in College at the time when wigs were every were in vogue, and freshmen were treated by the Tutors and the older classes little better than servants. He told his son that he lived under a Tutor and was at his beck continually. That one day he sent for him so frequently he got out of all patience, and went up at last with his wig turned wrong side foremost; for which he was summoned before the Faculty and fined a dollar.

His older son one Sabbath fell in a fit in Dr. Morse's church in Charlestown. Word was sent to his father at L-g that his son was quite unwell. He immediately came down to see him. As soon as he arrived, the gentleman of the house with whom he boarded came to the gate. Mr. Adams inquired after his son. He was told that he had a fit on A fit!' exclaimed Mr. A. A fit! My

Sunday.

family know nothing of fits unless it be mad fits. I have them once in a while, but they pass off without harm.'

The following curious anecdote rests on the best of authority. While Mr. A. was engaged in the study of divinity, he boarded with his aunt, the mother of John Adams. The latter was at the same period engaged in the study of Law. Mrs. A. was a pious woman and prayers were offered daily in her family. Her son and nephew officiated in turn. Zabdiel said to his cousin one day, 'I like your prayers very well, John, but there is no variety in them; you say the same thing over and over again.' This remark gave offence to John, and he declared he never would pray again. The next morning at the usual time his mother knocked for him. She waited awhile but he did not make his appearance. She knocked again, but with no better success. She then called on Zabdiel to officiate. He declined, saying that it was John's turn. At length however John came down. Being asked to pray, he arose and simply repeated the Lord's prayer, and ever after he said this and nothing more.

Mr. Adams was subject to occaisonal fits of depression or hypochondria as it is called.

When he was afflicted with one of these, a son in law who understood him well, called to see him. He asked how he did, 'Poorly,' said Mr. Adams, 'losing flesh and growing thin. I shall not stand it a great while longer.' 'Seems to me,' rejoined his

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son in law, 'you do look thin and poorly. I should not think you would stand it a great while.' Mr. Adams little expected this reply. It however had the effect intended. He walked to the glass, stroked his face with his hand, and said in a sharp and strong tone of voice, which indicated an unwillingness to have his account with this world settled hastily, 'not so thin either-I shall stand it some time yet.'

He attended a council convened to deliberate on the case of a Mr. Pennyman. Upon his return being asked by one of his people where he had been, he replied, To a council to consider the case of a Mr. Pennyman-a man rated a half-penny too high.'

Mr. Adams' wife posessed a very retentive memory,and could often refer to chapter and verse when he could not. On an occasion when she had furnished him with something he could not recollect, he remarked to those present with a smile, Mrs. Adams has profited much by my instruction; you see the fruits of it, my friends.'

6

Being asked what he thought of a certain clergyman, he replied, 'He is a fanciful man. If he would pluck out some of the wing feathers of his imagination and put them in the tail of his judgment, he would do better.' In the discription of Lunenburg, which he wrote at the request of Dr. Morse for insertion in his Gazetteer, he observes, with his usual singularity, it is 'more remarkable for the health than the wealth, of its possessors.'

The following saying of his deserves to be recorded for its practical wisdom, and the sympathy it indicates with the trials of humanity.— 'Mankind do not realize how hard it is for poor people to be honest.'

Mr. Adarns was a man who (as the reader might suppose from what has been said) thought for himself on religious subjects, and in the expression of what he thought, was not influenced by the fear of others. For the day in which he lived he was remarkably liberal, in his religious sentiments.

There is an observation which shews the state of his mind on one disputed topic. There are many passages in scripture which seem to imply the final restoration of all mankind, and far be it from me to say that it is not so.'

Here is another, which, though not expressed in a very clerical manner, indicates his deep dislike of Calvinism. John Calvin has done more mischief than his plaguy neck is worth.' Indeed Mr. Adams was one of the two clergymen in Worcester county who dared to assist at the ordination of Dr. Bancroft. His liberality however does not appear to have diminished his influence, which continued to be wide and powerful. I might proceed with anecdote upon anecdote of this singular man, but it is unnecessary, and the patience of the most patient reader might be wearied. The peculiar and predominant qualities in the character of Mr. A. must already stand out in sufficient relief. His life, like

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that of most clergymen, was not marked by extraordinary events. He labored in the ministry at Lunenburg for 37 years. Being fond of study he is thought to have shortened his days by too assiduous devotion to his books. The death of his wife, which occurred in August, 1800, was a deep affliction to him, and he survived her loss not many months. Among his singularities, several weeks before his death he uttered this singular prediction in the hearing of his son, who is now living: We (speaking of John Adams and himself) shall die about the same time. He, a political; I, a natural death." The prediction was actually fulfilled. The term of the President expired the 3d of March, 1801, and Mr.A.of L. died the 1st. The scene of his labors was the place of his rest. The monument to his memory in the grave-yard of L.bears the following inscription:

"This monument is erected by the town, as a tribute of affectionate respect to the memory of their deceased Pastor, the REV. ZABDIEL ADAMS,

who died universally esteemed and respected, March 1, 1801, in the 62 year of his age and 37th of his ministry.

An active and capacious mind, nurtured by a publick education, rendered him an acceptable, instructive, and useful minister. The asperities of his constitution were softened by the refining influence of Religion. With a heart and understanding formed for social life, he seldom failed to interest and improve all who enjoyed his communication.

In his ministerial performances a ready utterance, commanding eloquence, and elevated sentiments, made him engaging and profitable.

A catholic belief of the gospel, a respect and love of the Saviour, and a confidence in the faithfulness of God disarmed death of its terrors and inspired a final and certain hope of resurrection.

He was a bright and shining light and we rejoiced for a season in his light."