and two living
streams meet all day long---you look through the iron fence, so slender
that it scarce impedes the view, and not twenty feet from the curb is a
simple metal disk set on an iron rod driven into the ground and on it this
inscription: "This marks the grave of Samuel Adams."

For many years the grave was unmarked, and the disk that now denotes it
was only recently placed in position by the Sons of the American
Revolution. But the place of Samuel Adams on the pages of history is
secure. Upon the times in which he lived he exercised a profound
influence. And he who influences the times in which he lives has
influenced all the times that come after; he has left his impress on
eternity.

JOHN HANCOCK

Boston, Sept. 30, 1765

Gent:

Since my last I have receiv'd your favour by Capt Hulme who is
arriv'd here with the most disagreeable Commodity (say Stamps)
that were imported into this Country & what if carry'd into
Execution will entirely Stagnate Trade here, for it is
universally determined here never to Submitt to it and the
principal merchts here will by no means carry on Business under a
Stamp, we are in the utmost Confusion here and shall be more so
after the first of November & nothing but the repeal of the act
will righten, the Consequence of its taking place here will be
bad, & attended with many troubles, & I believe may say more
fatal to you than us. I dread the Event.
--Extract From Hancock's Letter-Book

[Illustration: JOHN HANCOCK]

Long years ago when society was young, learning was centered in one man in
each community, and that man was the priest. It was the priest who was
sent for in every emergency of life. He taught the young, prescribed for
the sick, advised those who were in trouble, and when human help was vain
and man had done his all, this priest knelt at the bedside of the dying
and invoked a Power with whom it was believed he had influence.

The so-called learned professions are only another example of the Division
of Labor. We usually say there are three learned professions: Theology,
Medicine and Law. As to which is the greatest is a much-mooted question
and has caused too many family feuds for me to attempt to decide it. And
so I evade the issue and say there is a fourth profession, that is only
allowed to be called so by grace, but which in my mind is greater than
them all--the profession of Teacher. I can conc