338 JOEL PARKER. 



As a judge, he was courteous, patient, and willing to listen atten- 

 tively, and to weigh candidly whatever was addressed to his judgment, 

 bringing to his conclusions the processes of close reasoning and careful 

 analysis, which were among the leading characteristics of liis mind. 



As an instructor in law, he was thorough in liis prejjaration, clear 

 in his statements, without any attempt at rhetoric or fine composition, 

 leaving upon the minds of his pupils definite and lasting impressions 

 of the propositions which it was his purpose to enforce. Hundreds, 

 who are now among the leading minds at the American bar, would 

 bear willing testimony to his fidelity as a teacher, as well as the cour- 

 tesy and urbanity which marked his intercourse with those who sought 

 his instruction or counsel. 



In the social intercourse of life, he was dignified without coldness, 

 often playful, but never frivolous, with easy and agreeable manners, 

 and a mind well stocked with general information and i-eady resources. 

 He was not hasty in forming his opinions; but, when formed, he had 

 no hesitancy in avowing and maintaining ihem. So far as these 

 related to questions which grew out of the unhappy civil war in which 

 the country was engaged, it is enough to say that he stood boldly 

 and manfully for the Constitution in its integrity, by applying to it a 

 higher test than the expediency of the hour. 



With such qualities of mind, and such habits of keen and careful 

 observation and investigation as he brought to every subject with 

 which he engaged, he would have been eminent in any of the depart- 

 ments of science into which the Academy is divided. Horticulture was 

 with him a study and a delight; but his pursuits were chietiy connected 

 with literature, and the profession he had chosen. 



He was much at home with the early history of New England and 

 her institutions, and contributed several valuable articles upon subjects 

 connected with these, which are among his published works. 



He was true to the last in his fidelity to his Alma Mater. He was 

 of her Board of Trustees from 184o to 18G0; and, at his death, 

 remembered her together with the interests of tiie science to whicli his 

 life had been devoted, by a liberal benefaction fur founding a law 

 school in that institution. 



Although enough has been shown to claim for Judge Parker an 

 honorable place among the men who have helped to mark the passing 

 centur}', it is a fitting tribute for the Academy to pay to tlie memory 

 of one of her distinguished sous, to place upon her own record some of 

 the grounds upon which, when living, he commanded the respect and 

 esteem of his associate Fellows. 



