XXXll 



principles which actuated him in accomplishing them. Few may 

 expect to enter into his labors, or to attain to his distinction ; nor is 

 that material ; but all, of whatever profession or employment, may 

 imbibe his generous spirit and act from his exalted principles, and 

 this is the essential thing. 



His first publication, after his admission to the bar, was an ora- 

 tion delivered in Salem, on the fourth of July, 1804, which was 

 received by his political friends with distinguished marks of favor, 

 and published at their desire. Its sound and philosophical views of 

 government, and its able exposition of public affairs, and the spirit 

 and progress of parties in the United States, with its clear, appro- 

 priate, and manly style, give it a permanent value, and render it 

 particularly interesting, as one of Mr. Pickering's earliest produc- 

 tions. 



We are reminded by this oration of the opinion, which Mr. 

 Smith was known to express in Lisbon, that Mr. Pickering's abili- 

 ties remarkably fitted him for a diplomatic career; an opinion 

 which became more manifestly just, as he advanced in the improve- 

 ment of his abilities and the acquisition of general learning. His 

 knowledge of jurisprudence, with his various literary and scientific 

 attainments, eminently qualified him for any station in the govern- 

 ment at home or abroad. And had the spirit of Washington con- 

 tinued to preside over the destinies of the country, such men as 

 Mr. Pickering would have continued to be preferred for high po- 

 litical trusts. But, I think, we cannot doubt that our honored 

 friend, both by nature and education, belonged to learning, and 

 not to politics, or even to the law, distinguished as he was in the 

 science of jurisprudence. 



" Spirits are not finely touched, 

 But to fine issues." 



