Page:Lives of the presidents in words of one syllable (1903).djvu/30

 He went to Bos-ton, where he could make the sum on which he might live. He had all the law work he could do, for there were hard cas-es to solve. Some of these were of things which meant much for the weal or woe of this land.

John Ad-ams was in court when James O-tis made a speech which dealt with the whole theme of Eng-land and A-mer-i-ca, and the rights of each.

He and the crowds who heard these words, felt that it was a great day in their lives. It is said that the "Child of In-de-pen-dence was born then and there," and that when "three times five years had gone by that child had grown to be a man and was free."

In 1764 John Ad-ams found a fine wife by the name of Smith, whose fa-ther's work was to preach the Word of God. She stood high with all.

So bright a man as John Ad-ams could not fail to be known by the Brit-ish. They laid a trap for him. They sent a friend of his to him and had him say that they would give him a rich bribe if he would come to their side and serve them. A prompt, strong "No" went from Ad-ams to those who would tempt him.

In the year 1768 Brit-ish troops were sent to Bos-ton to bring fear to the folks and make them do what Eng-land said they must. These for-ces were put up in the town-house, Fan-eu-il Hall, and had tents, too, on the Com-mon.

John Ad-ams felt that he must stand up for the right and for the land, and with this high aim in mind he was firm to do all things for the good of the great Cause, though he and his law work must lose by it.

There were those who said "grin and bear it" would be