Memoir of John Codman D D

mon, " educated their children faithfully in the principles of scriptural morality and strict regard to the institutions of revealed religion." At this time there was no visible departure from an evangelical faith. It was undoubtedly true, that many circumstances had lowered the standard of religious practice; and, among these, the war of the Revolution had contributed its fatal influence. But, whatever were the causes which in twenty-five years from Dr. Codman's birth had nearly subverted the ancient faith of the churches, there was no marked distinction of doctrine, during his childhood and youth, which might prevent the appropriate influence of divine truth on his mind. It does nothowever appear, that he experienced any strong religious impressions in very early life. " Of his early youth," continues Dr. Storrs, " the prominent characteristics were a marked buoyancy of spirits, gaiety of manners, sociality of feeling, sprightliness of mind, facility of intellectual acquisition, frankness of disposition, and ardent attachment." His youthful studies were prosecuted at Andover Academy, and under the care of the Rev. Henry Ware of Hingham. He entered Harvard College in 1798, and was graduated with honor in 1802, in a class of sixty?the largest class which had been connected,with the college. His amiable deportment, his exemplary discharge of moral and social duties, greatly endeared him to his classmates and friends; but we have no important records of his co... --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.