WOMAN IN ART
thou hast made thy servant ruler over the people. Give unto him an understanding heart, that he may know how to go out and come in before this great people; that he may discern between good and bad. For who is able to judge this thy so great people?' were the words of a royal sovereign; and not less applicable to him who is invested with the chief magistracy of a nation, though he wear not a crown, nor the robes of royalty.
"My thoughts and my meditations are with you, though personally absent; and my petitions to Heaven are that 'the things that make for peace may not be hidden from your eyes.' My feelings are not those of pride or ostentation upon the occasion. They are solemnized by a sense of the obligations, the important trusts, and numerous duties connected with it. That you may be enabled to discharge them with honor to yourself, with justice and impartiality to your country, and with satisfaction to this great people, shall be the daily prayer of your A. A."
Abigail Adams and her husband were singularly of one soul and one mind. This we glean from one of his letters to her in the Spring of 1774 while on his way to answer the call to the first Continental Congress at Philadelphia, just before the outbreak of the Revolution. Lord North had effected the blockade of Boston Harbor, and had vowed he would "put Boston seventeen miles from the sea." New England was under severe trial, the trial for life and liberty. The country was seething, the pot of Independence was at the boiling point. Though on business for his country, his wife and children were in his heart and mind. To Abigail he writes: "We live, my dear soul, in an age of trial; what will be the consequences I know not ............ I do not receive a shilling a week. Let us therefore, my dear partner, for the affection we feel for our lovely babes, apply ourselves in every way we can to the cultivation of our farm. Let frugality and industry be our virtues, and above all cares of this life, let our ardent anxiety be to mould the minds and manners of our children. Let us teach them not only to do virtuously, but to excel. To excel, they must be taught to be steady, active, and industrious.
"I am anxious for our perplexed, distressed Province. Resignation to the will of Heaven is our only resource in such dangerous times. Prudence and caution should be our guides.
"I have the strongest hope that we shall see a clearer sky and better times."
That time was drawing near. The notable Committee of Five was ap-
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