knowledged seat among the nations, and the venerable statesman, was received with affectionate gratitude. In his favourite philosophical studies, with occasional attention to public business, he passed his remaining years, cheerful and useful to the last.

In the sickness which terminated his life, he evinced the most entire resignation, acknowledging amid the severest pains, the goodness and justice of that Being who saw fit that he should be thus afflicted. He died on the 17th of April, 1790, having lived eighty-four years, and three months, happily to himself, and usefully to his country, and to mankind.

The principal traits in the character of Dr. Franklin, which made him distinguished, and which the young should imitate, were his industry, perseverance in improvement,-his high sense of the value of time,-his prudence,-honesty, and activity for the public good,—and that cheerful temper which made his intellect amiable, and his virtues lovely, to all around, even in extreme old age.

He is numbered among our most distinguished writers. His opinions are marked by philanthropy, and shrewd, good sense, and his style by clearness and simplicity. An almanac, which he commenced at the age of twenty-five years, and continued to publish for the same period of time, contained much knowledge for the common peo

ple, and many wise precepts, about economy of time and money, which were afterwards collected, and reprinted in Great Britain, and translated into French.

"Sloth makes

Here is some of his advice. all things difficult; but Industry, all things easy. Sloth, like rust, consumes faster, than labour wears. He who riseth late, may trot all day, yet scarce overtake his business at night. It is true, there is much to be done, and perhaps, you are weak-handed, but by diligence and patience, the mouse ate into the cable.

"Employ time well; and since thou art not sure of a minute, throw not away an hour. Yet depend not too much upon thine own industry, frugality and prudence, though they are excellent things; for without the blessing of Heaven, they may be blasted. Therefore ask that blessing humbly, and be not uncharitable to those who at present seem to be without it, but comfort and help them.

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Nothing can contribute to true happiness, that is inconsistent with duty; nor can a cause of action conformable to it, be finally without an ample reward. For God governs: and he is good. And you will never be without his direction, if you humbly ask it, and show yourself always ready to obey it."

t

HON. ROGER SHERMAN.

ROGER SHERMAN, was the son of a farmer, and born in Newton, Massachusetts, April 19th, 1721. He received only such means of instruction, as the common country schools afforded. Those schools, more than a hundred years since, were far inferior to what they now are; so that his advantages to acquire an education, were exceedingly limited.

Neither was he able constantly to attend even the poor schools, to which he had access. The employments of agriculture, occupied him for a part of the year, during his boyhood; and at a proper age, he was bound apprentice to a shoemaker. Yet amid a life of hard labour, he secured some time for the acquisition of knowledge.

Such was his zeal for mental improvement, that he used to fasten a book before him, on his shoemaker's bench, and when there was a moment to spare from his work, fix his eyes upon it. While his hands were busy, he meditated on what he had read. Thus, he became a careful, patient thinker, and this is better than to read many books, without reflection.

By his love of knowledge, and perseverance in overcoming obstacles, he made proficiency not only in arithmetic, geography, and the general principles of history, but in logic, philosophy, the higher branches of mathematics, political economy, and theology. His conduct was under the guidance of rectitude, and morality, and in his heart was that "fear of God, which is the beginning of wisdom.”

He early made a profession of religion, and so subjected his whole conduct to its precepts, that he became eminent for self-controul. He mentioned, that in gaining the government of his passions, he was aided by the study of Dr. Watts' treatise on that subject; and to the close of life, he was distinguished for the mildness, serenity and sedateness, which he took such pains in youth, to acquire.

When he had reached the age of nineteen years, his father died, and the care of the family devolved on him. His filial virtues were strongly exemplified, in his constant attentions to the comfort of a mother, who lived to a great age. By his industry on the farm, as well as in his trade, he was enabled also to support a numerous family of brothers and sisters.

With his fraternal tenderness, he mingled the judgment of a father, in superintending the character of those, whom Providence had entrusted to his guidance, while he was himself so

young. By his wise economy, and self-denial, he was enabled to secure for two of his brothers, those advantages of collegiate education, which he had never himself enjoyed.

At the age of twenty-two, he removed his mother and household, to New-Milford, and entered into the business of a country-merchant. With characteristic simplicity, he performed this journey on foot, taking care to have his shoemaker's tools, conveyed to his new home. Amid his close application to business, he still found time for scientific pursuits, and made astronomical calculations for an almanac in New-York, which he supplied for several years.

Circumstances which seemed to him, like a direct intimation of duty, induced him to apply himself to legal studies. Success attended his indefatigable diligence, and he was soon appointed one of the justices of the court of common pleas, then, a judge of the superior court, and member of the senate, of his native state. After his removal to New-Haven, he held for many years, the office of treasurer to Yale-College, and received from that institution, the honorary degree of Master of Arts.

His opinions as a lawyer, were received with great respect, and his conduct as a judge, was marked by uprightness, and strict adherence to the principles of justice. Higher honours still awaited him, and he was elected a member of the