But above all, his conduct was regulated by the influence of that pure morality, derived from our holy religion, which was impressed deeply on his mind, at an early period of life.

To those who contemplate his fearless intrepidity in the field of battle, or have observed the ease and dignity of his deportment on the military parade, or in the chair of state, it may appear incredible that this brave man possessed an uncommon share of diffidence; but to those who have approached him nearly, it is well known that this was a predominant trait in his character. This quality, so rare in little minds, is seldom wanting in great ones; but is scarcely ever so paramount, as it was in our departed friend. It was absolutely necessary to make use of some degree of finesse, to induce him to accept any important office. This great reluctance in assuming responsibility, sometimes arises from inactivity or a love of ease-not so in him we would commemorate, for whatever might be his situation, he never was idle. So imposing is that obtrusive quality which some men possess, and so often does the world yield to its influence, that a diffident, retiring disposition, is often mistaken for deficiency in talent. The bold and daring genius, confident in his own imaginary superiority, who is constantly thrusting himself into public notice, can hardly conceive it possible that any one should possess talents, who does not seek every opportunity to display them; and with reluctance yields assent to their existence in an individual so unlike himself.

The mind of Gov. Brooks was clear in its perceptions, and discriminating in its judgment; it was active, ardent and industrious in the pursuit of every valuable attainment, and powerful in the application of those attainments for the benefit of others. Although his mind shrunk from observation, with the delicate excitability of the sensitive plant, it was like the oak in sustaining the pressure of every duty to his friends or his country.

In his relation to his native town, he completely reversed the maxim, that a prophet has no honor in his own country, for the inhabitants of Medford idolized him. They knew his worth and fully appreciated it. He was truly their friend and benefactor. He took so deep an interest in all their concerns, let their station in life be ever so humble, that they could always approach him with ease and confidence. They referred to him all their disputes, and so judicious were his decisions, that he had the rare felicity to satisfy all parties, and to reconcile them to bonds of amity. It was observed by an eminent lawyer, who resided there, that he had no professional business in Medford, for Gov. Brooks prevented all contentions in the law. In addition to these intrinsic services, he was the grace and the ornament of their social circles, and seemed to fill up the measure of all their enjoyments.

But what avail these noble talents, these splendid achievements or these godlike virtues! The grim messenger of death has swept them from our reach. Our beloved and revered friend, in whom they were

so eminently displayed, now lies a cold and inanimate clod of the valley, "and the places which knew him, shall know him no more for ever." "But thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory!" his spirit has risen to Him who gave it, and his virtues shall remain engraven on our hearts.

NOTES.

NOTE A.

Proceedings of the Counsellors of the Massachusetts Medical Society, on the decease of their President.

Ar an adjourned meeting of the Counsellors of the Massachusetts Medical Society, held on the second day of March, A. D. 1825,

It was announced by the Vice President, that John Brooks, M. D. LL. D., President of the Society, departed this life yesterday; whereupon, the following resolutions were offered by Dr. Warren:

Resolved, That the Counsellors regard with deep sensibility, the loss, by death, of the late President of the Society, and, that they feel assured they shall express the sentiments of the Society, as they do their own, in stating, that the Society has derived honor from having had, as their head, a man beloved in private life, justly respected in his profession, and distinguished in his state and country, for the faithful and honorable performance of high military and civil duties.

Resolved, That the Counsellors ask permission to attend the obsequies of their late President, both for themselves and the Fellows of the Society.

Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed to wait on the family of the Hon. John Brooks, to express to them the sentiments of the Counsellors, on this bereavement, and to make the request that the Society may join in the solemnities at the interment of their late President; and, if this permission

be granted, that the same Committee invite the Fellows of the Society to unite with the Counsellors in paying a tribute of respect to the memory of the deceased.

Resolved, That the Anniversary Orator be requested to notice the life and character of our late President, in his address, at the annual meeting of the Society.

Voted, unanimously, to adopt the above resolutions.

Voted, That the Committee consist of Dr.'s Spooner, Warren, and Dixwell.

Voted, That the above resolves be published in the Daily Advertiser, and Boston Patriot of tomorrow, with such additions, as the report of the Committee, may render necessary.

In pursuance of the duty assigned them, the Committee proceeded to Medford, and communicated to the family of their late President, the feelings and wishes of the Counsellors; and were informed, that, although Gov. Brooks had forbidden any ostentatious parade at his funeral, and had left his injunctions that he should be buried in the simple manner of his friends and neighbors, yet he had consented, that, if any Society of which he was a member, should signify a desire to follow his remains to the tomb, his executors should grant them permission; and that he had named, particularly, the Massachusetts Medical Society. The following notice was thereupon published.

The Fellows of the Massachusetts Medical Society are specially requested to attend the funeral of the late Hon. John Brooks, at Medford, this day, at half past 3 o'clock.

March 3d, 1825.

WM. SPOONER,

Chairman of the Committee of Counsellors.

A large number of the Fellows of the Society accordingly attended the funeral solemnities, in conjunction with the Members of several other Societies to which the deceased belonged, and a great concourse of our most distinguished citizens, who united with the afflicted relatives and connexions in testifying their respect for his memory.