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as literary clubs, even the gayest of them, the more readily, doubtless, 

 from the very cause which might have restrained others, — a nat- 

 ural diffidence, which he felt it his duty to overcome. The musical 

 club, or Sodality, was best suited to his taste, and afforded him the 

 highest gratification. He cultivated music with delight, both as an 

 art and as a science, and was distinguished in college for his per- 

 formance on the flute and the violin, as well as for his skill in vocal 

 harmony. As president of the Sodality, he introduced an improved 

 style of music in their performances. Social music became his 

 favorite diversion, affording him through life a lively enjoyment and 

 recreation. 



In the whole course of his studies, he manifested a genuine inde- 

 pendence and a wise foresight, as well as an energetic indus- 

 try. Upon his entrance into college, he was surprised to find in 

 what low estimation classical learning was held by the students. 

 Scarcely one among them could be found to do it reverence. The 

 times, however, were very peculiar. The innovating spirit of the 

 French Revolution was raging in the world, and ancient learning, 

 least of all, could expect to escape its baleful influence. 



But no example or influence could tempt Mr. Pickering to for- 

 sake his first love. He faltered not for a moment in his devotion 

 to a liberal pursuit of classical studies, thoroughly mastering those 

 embraced by his stated exercises, and extending his knowledge 

 much farther both of ancient languages and the literature contained 

 in them. In all his voluntary studies he loved to have friendly 

 companions, and his literary attractions failed not to draw them to 

 him. One of my respected classmates, a learned scholar and 

 divine of this city, who sympathized with Mr. Pickering in all his 

 philological researches, has told me of the delightful hours they 

 passed together at Cambridge in reading various classic authors ; 



