Page:History of the University of Pennsylvania - Montgomery (1900).djvu/301

Rh left a widow when he was fourteen years of age, wisely continued him at the Academy, of which he was the first scholar, and in the course of his tuition there we have already seen what a prominent place he earned in all the public exercises. In his declamation of 1753, and his poem on the death of his fellow student, young Martin, in 1754, we see the beginnings of those abilities which were carefully cultured to bear fruit to his good reputation in after years. Graduating in 1757, he took his Masters' Degree in 1760, and his musical attainments added a charm to the services of the day. An organ had first been fitted up in the Hall by kind friends for the use of the College, and we are told one of the Students, who received his Master's Degree on this occasion, conducted the organ with that bold and masterly Hand, for which he is celebrated; and several of the Pieces were also his own Composition. 4 After graduation he began the study of Law under Benjamin Chew, Attorney General, and was admitted to the Bar in 1761. In 1759 he had become secretary of the Library Company, and was its Librarian from February 1764 to May 1765. He was also Secretary of the Vestry of the United Churches of Christ Church and St. Peters' in 1764-5, and was elected a Vestryman in 1769, serving to 1773 when his residence in Trenton severed his connection with the church; but resuming his residence in Philadelphia he was again elected Vestryman in 1788 serving thereon until his death. He displayed his talent in vocal and instrumental music by leading the choir and playing the organ in Christ Church, as well as teaching the children "in the art of psalmody," for which the Vestry recorded their thanks, 3 April, But we will talk more about this next Spring. I have finished the Translation of the Psalms of David to the great Satisfaction of the Dutch Congregation at New York & they have paid me ^145, their currency, which I intend to keep as a Body Reserve in case I should go to England." MS letter in the American Philosophical Society's Collection. The work referred to was " The Psalms of David with The Ten Commandments. Creed, Lord's Prayer, &c In Meter. Also the Catechism, Confession of Faith, Liturgy, &c, translated from the Dutch For the use of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of the City of New York." New York. Printed by James Parker at the New Printing Office in Beaver Street, MDCCLXVI.
 * Penna Gazette, 15 May, 1760. 5 He wrote to Dr Franklin, 13 December, 1765, "I visited your Family the Day before Yesterday & put Miss Sally's Harpsichord in the best order I can but the instrument, as to its Touch & all machinery, is entirely ruined & I think past Recovery