all assembled in the meeting-house, and discussed the matter from
beginning to end.

Finally they came to a very wise decision. It seemed so evident that
Providence had created Benjamin to be a painter, and had given him
abilities which would be thrown away in any other business, that the
Quakers resolved not to oppose his inclination. They even acknowledged
that the sight of a beautiful picture might convey instruction to the
mind and might benefit the heart as much as a good book or a wise
discourse. They therefore committed the youth to the direction of God,
being well assured that he best knew what was his proper sphere of
usefulness. The old men laid their hands upon Benjamin's head and gave
him their blessing, and the women kissed him affectionately. All
consented that he should go forth into the world and learn to be a
painter by studying the best pictures of ancient and modern times.

So our friend Benjamin left the dwelling of his parents, and his native
woods and streams, and the good Quakers of Springfield, and the Indians
who had given him his first colors; he left all the places and persons
whom he had hitherto known, and returned to them no more. He went first
to Philadelphia, and afterwards to Europe. Here he was noticed by many
great people, but retained all the sobriety and simplicity which he had
learned among the Quakers. It is related of him, that, when he was
presented at the court of the Prince of Parma, he kept his hat upon his
head even while kissing the Prince's hand.

When he was twenty-five years old he went to London and established
himself there as all artist. In due course of time he acquired great
fame by his pictures, and was made chief painter to King George III.
and president of the Royal Academy of Arts. When the Quakers of