Page 131 - Napoleon Hill Think and Grow Rich Full Book | Success Learned

132

NAPOLEON HILL THINK AND GROW RICH

Meanwhile, the British were not idle. They, too, were doing some PLANNING
and "Master-Minding" on their own account, with the advantage of having back
of them money, and organized soldiery. The Crown appointed Gage to supplant
Hutchinson as the Governor of Massachusetts. One of the new Governor's first
acts was to send a messenger to call on Samuel Adams, for the purpose of endeav-
oring to stop his opposition-by FEAR.

We can best understand the spirit of what happened by quoting the conversation
between Col. Fenton, (the messenger sent by Gage), and Adams.

Col. Fenton: "I have been authorized by Governor Gage, to assure you, Mr. Ad-
ams, that the Governor has been empowered to confer upon you such benefits
as would be satisfactory, [endeavor to win Adams by promise of bribes], upon
the condition that you engage to cease in your opposition to the measures of the
government. It is the Governor's advice to you, Sir, not to incur the further dis-
pleasure of his majesty. Your conduct has been such as makes you liable to penal-
ties of an Mt of Henry VIII, by which persons can be sent to England for trial for
treason, or misprision of treason, at the discretion of a governor of a province.
But, BY CHANGING YOUR POLITICAL COURSE, you will not only receive great
personal advantages, but you will make your peace with the King."

Samuel Adams had the choice of two DECISIONS. He could cease his opposition,
and receive personal bribes, or he could CONTINUE, AND RUN THE RISK OF
BEING HANGED!

Clearly, the time had come when Adams was forced to reach instantly, a DECI-
SION which could have cost his life. The majority of men would have found it
difficult to reach such a decision. The majority would have sent back an evasive
reply, but not Adams! He insisted upon Col. Fenton's word of honor, that the
Colonel would deliver to the Governor the answer exactly as Adams would give it
to him. Adams' answer, "Then you may tell Governor Gage that I trust I have long
since made my peace with the King of Kings. No personal consideration shall in-
duce me to abandon the righteous cause of my Country. And, TELL GOVERNOR
GAGE IT IS THE ADVICE OF SAMUEL ADAMS TO HIM, no longer to insult the
feelings of an exasperated people."

Comment as to the character of this man seems unnecessary. It must be obvious
to all who read this astounding message that its sender possessed loyalty of the
highest order. This is important. (Racketeers and dishonest politicians have pros-
tituted the honor for which such men as Adams died).