And what but moral excellence the most perfect--intellectual ability the most eminent-- fidelity the most unwavering--service the most useful, could have commanded such a succession of appointments so exalted, and from sources so various and so eminent?
Nothing less could have commanded such a series of appointments; and accordingly we see the union of all these great qualities in him who has received them.
"In this long career of public service Mr.Adams was distinguished not only by faithful attention to all the great duties of his stations, but to all their less and minor duties.

He was not the Salaminian galley, to be launched only on extraordinary occasions, but he was the ready vessel, always launched when the duties of his station required it, be the occasion great or small.

As President, as cabinet Minister, as Minister abroad, he examined all questions that came before him, and examined all in all their parts, in all the minutiae of their detail, as well as in all the vastness of their comprehension.

As Senator, and as a member of the House of Representatives, the obscure committee-room was as much the witness of his laborious application to the drudgery of legislation, as the halls of the two Houses were to the ever ready speech, replete with knowledge, which instructed all hearers, enlightened all subjects, and gave dignity and ornament to debate.
"In the observance of all the proprieties of life, Mr.Adams was a most noble and impressive example.

He cultivated the minor as well as the greater virtues.