VI Dr. Kirkland’s Discourse in Commemoration of 
apart for enlarged education, including the languages of Greece 
and Rome, criticism, the mathematics, and mental science, should 
be consideerd as designed, first to exercise, and next to fructify 
the mind; to serve for discipline and for knowledge. Mr. Adams 
made himself acquainted with the severer studies, and scrupu- 
lously prepared for the class-room before he indulged in private 
reading. He was accustomed to employ his argumentative talents 
in a debating society, of which he was a conspicuous member. 
The affection he ever bore to his Alma Mater, and the good 
opinion he expressed of her system of study and discipline ; the 
complacency he took in the genius loci, the spirit and character 
that prevailed in her walls, afford so many pledges of his faithful 
use of the advantages he enjoyed whilst under her fostering 
care. 
On leaving college he became teacher of the town school at 
Worcester. At this time he should seem not to have made a 
final choice of a profession, although he may have entered his 
name as a law student. After the interval of a year, as appears 
by a letter to a classmate, having deliberated between the profes- 
sion of the law and the clerical office, he decided for the former. 
He prosecuted his legal studies with James Putnam, Esquire, of 
Worcester, a lawyer of high standing, who in the subsequent 
disputes took the side of royalty. He was a kind and useful 
friend to his pupil, making him an inmate of his family, and intro- 
ducing him early to the acquaintance and good offices of the 
eminent barrister Gridley. 
Mr. Adams, being duly admitted to the bar, began the exercise 
of his profession in his native place, where he resided with his 
father. As you have been told, he soon made himself a name, 
first, by a much famed defence in a cause at Plymouth, in which 
