THE

NEW-ENGLAND MAGAZINE.

SEPTEMBER, 1833.

ORIGINAL PAPERS.

HON. EDWARD EVERETT.

THE biography of individuals, who have passed from the stage of life, distinguished by their actions and virtues, is not only a proper tribute to their memories, but the best lesson for imitation to those they leave behind. But the biography of the living, alike distinguished, has additional advantages. If it is just, it is a higher reward to a virtuous life than posthumous biography. It is a living, and therefore a more impressive, example for imitation; and it enables society more fully to appreciate, and apply to the most beneficial purposes, those talents and virtues, which, without such publication, would be known in a sphere almost infinitely smaller. These remarks naturally occur to the mind in presenting to the public a sketch of the life of the Hon. Edward Everett.

Mr. Everett was born in Dorchester, Norfolk County, Massachusetts, in 1794. He descended from one of the earliest settlers of that state, who, near two centuries since, established himself in Dedham, where the family yet remain, reputable farmers. The grandfather of Mr. Everett was a farmer in that town. His father, Oliver Everett, was apprenticed to a carpenter. After coming of age, he prepared himself for college, which he entered, somewhat late in life. In 1782, he was settled as the pastor of the New South Church, in Boston. In the Biographical Dictionary of President Allen, it is stated "that after a ministry of ten years, and after having acquired a high reputation for the very extraordinary powers of his mind, the state of his health induced him to ask a dismission from his people, in 1792.”—President Kirkland was his successor in that church. After retiring from the